Colorectal carcinoma evaluated by incremental dynamic CT: comparison of CT density, histology, and tumor size

Evaluation of incremental dynamic CT scan and histologic findings were compared in order to clarify the cause of the differences in colorectal carcinoma as observed on CT after administration of contrast medium. In 48 cases demonstrated on postcontrast dynamic CT scan, the CT density of the tumor was homogeneous (Type 1) in 26 (54.2%) cases and heterogeneous (Type 2) in 22 (45.8%) cases. Well differentiated adenocarcinoma was seen as Type 1 in 11 of 13 (84.6%) cases while moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was of Type 1 in 15 of 29 (51.7%) cases. Poorly differentiated and mucinous adenocarcinoma were detected as Type 2 in all cases. A comparison of CT types and tumor size showed that as tumor size increased, the number of Type 1 cases decreased while Type 2 cases increased. Histologically, high density areas consisted mainly of well-developed tubular, branching glands of adenocarcinoma, while low density areas were composed of fibrous or mucinous stroma or necrosis. Dynamic CT scans for colorectal cancer are useful not only for preoperative staging but also for tissue characterization.