Open AccessUse of computed tomography in the management of colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Cher Heng Tan,
Revathy B. Iyer
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1949-8470
DOI - 10.4329/wjr.v2.i5.151
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , stage (stratigraphy) , positron emission tomography , radiology , computed tomography , modality (human–computer interaction) , pet ct , cancer , clinical practice , nuclear medicine , paleontology , human–computer interaction , computer science , biology , family medicine
Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC). The use of CT (colonography) as a screening tool for CRC has been validated and is expected to rise over time. The results of prior studies suggest that CT is suboptimal for assessment of local T stage and moderate for N stage disease. Recent advances in CT technology are expected to lead to some improvement in staging accuracy. At present, the main role of CT in pre-treatment imaging assessment lies in its use for the detection of distant metastases, especially in the liver. In a select group of patients, routine post-treatment surveillance with CT confers survival benefits. The role of CT for post-treatment assessment has been radically altered and improved with the advent of fusion positron emission tomography/CT. Perfusion CT shows promise as another functional imaging modality but further experience with this technique is necessary before it can be applied to routine clinical practice.