Imaging in gynecologic malignancies

Cross-sectional imaging is often a useful complement to clinical examination in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Patients with ovarian cancer will benefit less from the use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, extensive intraperitoneal disease may be evaluated and followed with either technology. Endometrial cancer is best approached by staging with contrast-enhanced MRI. The more advanced the disease is, the more information should be available from MRI imaging. By contrast, patients with cervical cancer are assessed best using noncontrast-enhanced MRI as far as imaging of the primary tumor is concerned. Extracervical extension is defined better with contrast enhancement and varied pulse sequences. Radiation changes and tumor response also can be assessed with MRI imaging as a complement to clinical examination.