The use and abuse of imaging in gynecologic cancer

The radiologic detection in staging of gynecologic malignancies comprises a variety of noninvasive and invasive procedures. In the last few years, the emergence of the cross-sectional imaging techniques such as ultrasonography (US), computerized tomography (CT), and more recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled the radiologist to determine more accurately the entire degree and extent of pathologic processes both within the pelvis and spread of disease outside the pelvis. The radiologist has also become more involved in invasive procedures such as percutaneous biopsies, aspirations of fluid collections, and transcatheter intraarterial infusion and occlusions. Although the newer imaging modalities will be emphasized, an attempt will be made to point out both their strengths and weaknesses relative to the older modalities. The discussion will concentrate on ovarian and cervical cancers while the other cancers of the female genital tract will be superficially discussed. The thrust of the presentation will emphasize the workup of gynecologic patients, that the workup may be quick, thorough, and as practical as possible.