Evaluation of Comparative Role of Ct Scan and Mri in Local Staging of Rectal Cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND Accurate staging of rectal cancer is helpful in improving the prognosis. CT scan and MRI are performed for staging of rectal malignancy, to assess the response to nonsurgical treatment, and for follow up. Imaging provides crucial information for the appropriate management of these cancers. METHODS 50 patients were selected for the study for which they underwent computed tomography (CT) and MRI examination after explaining the entire procedure and the risks involved. RESULTS In our study, comparative role of CECT and MRI is examined in 50 patients with rectal cancer in which we found that CT scan has sensitivity of 88% in detecting rectal masses and MRI has sensitivity of 94% in detecting rectal masses. CT was able to correctly T stage 80% of patient with rectal masses and MRI was able to correctly T stage 94% of patient with rectal masses. Ability of CT was poor in detecting T1 and T2 tumours, however MRI was able to detect T2 tumours. CONCLUSIONS CECT being less expensive and faster investigation, is the first line investigation in patients of rectal cancers but MRI is the investigation of choice as it is the superior diagnostic imaging modality with improved detection and characterization of tumour and hence contributes to better diagnostic accuracy.