1) To understand the clinical questions that determine the indications for imaging in endometrial and cervical cancer. 2) To become familiar with the MRI appearances of the stages of cervical and uterine carcinoma, the pitfalls in staging and its application to their management. 3) To understand the place of other imaging studies in cervical and endometrial cancer.
The purpose of imaging in endometrial cancer is to identify myometrial aned cervical invasion and extra-uterine disease to allow preoperative surgical planning in patients who often suffer serious co-morbidity. Overwhelming evidence exists that MRI is the imaging technique of choice to provide this information. Nevertheless, several pitfalls exist in interpretation of MRI and technique is crucial. In cervical cancer, imaging is used to provide answers to several clinical questions including detection of parametrial invasion, accurate assessment of tumour volume, its proximal extension, early detection of recurrence and nodal disease. While CT will accurately detect parametrial invasion, MRI has an established role in local staging. By assessing proximal extension of tumours in young women, MRI will determine feasibility of fertility-preserving surgery. By accurately showing volume of tumour it is used to plan and administer conformal radiotherapy and for depiction of nodal disease in both cancers. For endometrial and cervical cancer, MRI is used for surveillance, detection of recurrence and evaluation of complications secondary treatment.
Reznek, R,
Imaging Uterine and Cervical Malignancy: Why, When, and How. Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2007/4426238.html
Accessed September 5, 2025
