CT Findings of Locoregional Recurrence after Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

Postoperative recurrence is a major cause of mortality and morbidity for the patients suffering with colorectal cancer. Therefore, patients with colorectal cancer are routinely followed up with CT to detect the presence of locoregional recurrence and distant metastases. A central goal of postoperative surveillance for colorectal cancer is to improve survival through the earlier identification of tumor recurrence. Locoregional recurrence refers to tumor occurring at or adjacent to the surgical site and at the regional lymph nodes. It has been reported that metastatic spread based on the site of the primary tumor shows a relatively predictable pattern. Given the prevalence of colorectal cancer and the role of CT for postoperative surveillance, radiologists should be familiar with the CT findings of locoregional recurrence after curative resection for colorectal cancer.