Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Update on colorectal cancer imaging.

Gollub MJ, Schwartz LH, Akhurst T

Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. gollubm@mskcc.org

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cancer killer worldwide. The disease is both curable and preventable, and yet the importance of widespread screening is only now starting to be appreciated. This article reviews the variety of diagnostic tests, imaging procedures and endoscopic examinations available to detect colorectal cancer and polyps in their early stage and also presents details on various screening options. The critical role of the radiologist is elaborated on including accurate assessment of the tumor extent within the bowel wall and beyond and the detection of lymph node and distant metastases. Staging with CT, MR imaging, endorectal ultrasound, and positron emission tomography are of paramount importance in determining the most appropriate therapy and the risk of tumor recurrence and overall prognosis.

Published 12 December 2006 in Radiol Clin North Am, 45(1): 85-118.
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