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Radiology of peritoneal carcinomatosis
A G Archer1, P H Sugarbaker, J S Jelinek
1Department of Radiology, Washington Hospital Center, DC 20010, USA.
Cancer Treatment and Research
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) is useful for identifying patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis or sarcomatosis who may benefit from surgery. However, CT has limitations in detecting small tumor volumes, necessitating further research for improved sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis require understanding disease natural history for accurate radiologic interpretation.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for evaluating peritoneal disease spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of CT in evaluating peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis.
- To determine CT's role in patient selection for cytoreductive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiologic appearance of peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis.
- Analysis of CT scan findings in relation to tumor volume and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- CT is insensitive to small-volume peritoneal seeding (< 5 cm).
- CT effectively identifies patients with larger tumor volumes suitable for complete cytoreduction.
- CT aids in distinguishing patients with and without extensive small bowel disease, predicting surgical candidacy.
Conclusions:
- CT plays a critical role in identifying operative candidates with peritoneal carcinomatosis/sarcomatosis, particularly those with mucinous tumors.
- Further research is needed to enhance CT sensitivity for early-stage disease and improve recurrence monitoring in gastrointestinal cancer patients.