Usefulness of magnetic resonance in evaluation of cervical cancer progression

Abstract

Magnetic resonance belongs to a group of modern diagnostic methods which, together with classic gynecological, transvaginal ultrasound and histopathological examinations, should be routinely used in patients with suspicion or diagnosed cervical malignancies. The procedure allows precise localization and staging of the tumor, as well as evaluation of the volume of the local lymph nodes. Obtained data are useful in selection of optimal therapy and evaluation of cancer progression. Intravenous injection of the paramagnetic contrast media significantly increases diagnosis accuracy, especially of small lesions. It is also helpful in differentiation of post-radiotherapy changes and malignant infiltration. The new applications, such as diffusion weighted imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and fat or water saturation are also widely used to improve final diagnosis. The endovaginal receiver coil allows high spatial resolution imaging of the cervix, which is particularly useful in very small, controversial lesions.