Evaluation of cervical carcinoma by MRI: detection, staging and follow up

ABSTRACT

This study is performed to evaluate the role of MR Imaging in cervical carcinoma, regarding detection of the lesions; staging and its value in follow up of previously treated cases. Thirty female patients [classified into 2 groups] presented by either positive cervical smear for cervical carcinoma or cervical mass associated with vaginal discharge were confronted in this study. Their ages ranged from 23 to 71 years old with a mean age of 47 years. All patients were subjected to MR imaging and histopathological evaluation for correlation of MRI results. MRI detected all cases within or above stage IB, either the primary tumor or tumor recurrence [27 detected cases out of 30 patients]. MRI was accurate in detection of tumor invasion of the upper or lower thirds of the vagina, extension to the pelvic wall and invasion of the bladder and rectum. MRI was able to clearly identify lymph node enlargement. The sensitivity of MRI in the 1[st] group was 87.5% and in the 2[nd] group was 100% with over all sensitivity of 90%. The overall accuracy of MRI in this study was 90%. MR Imaging is considered the primary imaging modality in detection, staging and follow up patients with cervical carcinoma. MRI is considered very helpful in detection of tumor recurrence and differentiates recurrence from post radiation changes