Magnetic resonance imaging in oncology: an overview

This review discusses a growing area of imaging in oncology. Traditionally, the primary role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been in the investigation of neurological diseases and in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal abnormalities. With the increasing availability of MRI systems and with the advances in technology, the role of this modality out with these areas is rapidly expanding. This review outlines the areas where MRI has a specific role in the imaging of patients with cancer. In particular, emphasis is placed on areas outside of the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems. This review describes the areas where MRI may be advantageous over other imaging modalities such as computerised tomography (CT). Specific emphasis is placed on the staging of abdominal and pelvic malignancies, the detection of recurrence and the impact of MRI in hepatic imaging. In addition this article reviews the value of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI sequences, as well as the importance of newer organ specific MR contrast agents in hepatic and lymph node imaging.