Staging rectal cancer with CT: methodology, signs and parameters

Computed Tomography plays a major role in the staging of rectal carcinoma even if discordant results are reported in literature. The use of more sophisticated procedures has markedly improved its accuracy which is still high in advanced tumors and is irreplaceable, though with considerable limitations, in the assessment of distant lymphadenopathy. The methods, the indications and limitations of computed tomography are reported. Attention is focused on the pathological findings for the definition of TNM, which is mandatory to plan a correct therapeutic approach.