Computer-tomographic evaluation of gynecologic tumors

The accuracy of contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) of the pelvis in the detection, characterization and staging of known or suspected pelvic tumors was compared with clinical and operative findings in a prospective study of 79 patients (25 cervical carcinomas, 27 endometrial carcinomas, 10 ovarian carcinomas, 4 vulval or vaginal carcinomas and 13 benign ovarian or uterine tumors). In cervical carcinoma, there was a tendency towards lower staging of the tumor, especially in stage IIa, which is not easily detected in CT. Even small tumors of the cervix and endometrium can be visualized by contrast enhancement, which clearly delineates heavily vascularized myometrium and less enhancing tumor tissue. The accuracy of CT in tumor detection, characterization and evaluation of spread was best in ovarian neoplasms, weakest in cervical carcinomas. The importance of proper CT technique is stressed.