[Recent progress in diagnostic radiology for urinary system malignant tumors].

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• Diagnostic radiology plays a crucial role in identifying and staging malignant tumors within the urinary system.
• Current methods include trans-abdominal echography, Multidetector-row CT (MDCT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and 18F-FDG-PET/CT.
• Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness and utility of these imaging modalities.

Purpose:

• To review the clinical effectiveness and evolving utility of various diagnostic radiology techniques for urinary system malignancies.
• To highlight the strengths and limitations of current imaging methods and explore emerging technologies.

Summary:

• Trans-abdominal echography is a safe screening tool for urinary system tumors but lacks spatial resolution; contrast-enhanced and Doppler echography are anticipated.
• MDCT is widely used for kidney and upper urinary tract imaging due to its speed and resolution, though MRI is considered for contrast media concerns.
• MRI offers superior tissue contrast for bladder cancer invasion depth assessment, while diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) are valuable for prostate cancer.
• 18F-FDG-PET/CT is limited for primary urinary tract lesions due to excretion but effective for detecting metastases.

Impact:

• The findings underscore the dynamic nature of diagnostic radiology in urologic oncology.
• Future advancements in contrast agents, new technical applications, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and novel PET/CT isotopes are expected to significantly alter imaging procedures.
• Improved imaging will lead to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and enhanced patient outcomes in urinary system cancer management.