Imaging
Cervical Cancer
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Cervical cancer
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cervical cancer.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Cervical cancer
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Cervical cancer is typically screened for and diagnosed using annual PAP smear and colposcopy but may be incidentally discovered on an imaging study performed for another reason. MRI of the pelvis with contrast can be used for presurgical local staging, postsurgical follow-up, or monitoring of treatment response.
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Advantages
MRI can reliably identify parametrial invasion, the vaginal wall, and uterine cavity for local staging.
The patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation.
Disadvantages
MRI is relatively costly.
MRI is a lengthy examination that requires patient cooperation with breathing motion and movement.
MRI cannot be performed in a select number of patients with pacemakers and other metallic nontitanium hardware and medical devices.
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
Patients with embedded metallic nontitanium devices, such as cardiac pacers, stents and other non-MR-approved devices may not enter the MRI suite for imaging.
Patients who cannot cooperate with breathing instructions and immobility may not be ideal candidates. Some patients require sedation to tolerate the examination to diagnostic quality.
Patients with GFR below 30 should not receive gadolinium IV contrast.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
Clinical examination with PAP smear and colposcopy remains the standard for diagnosis of cervical cancer.
In advanced cases, CT or PET scan can be used for staging and monitoring of treatment response.
Copyright © 2017, 2014 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. All rights reserved.
No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM.
Sign Up for Free e-newsletters
ONA Articles
- FDA: Number of U.S. Women With Breast Implant-Caused Cancer Has Increased
- Immunotherapy for HER2-positive Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Combination Therapeutic Approaches
- NIH Establishes Educational Program on Genomics, Genetics for Oncology Nurses
- Some Obesity-Related Cancers Increasing in Younger Adults
- Less Diversity in PROM Systems Could Improve Assessing Their Practicality for Cancer Patients, Clinicians
- Oncology Nurse Navigation Facilitates Timely Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
- Oncology Nurses Weigh In on Their Patient-Centered Communication Practices, Needs
- Substitute for Lidocaine
- CART cell therapy for prostate cancer: status and promise
- Shifting Dynamics of Social Support After a Cancer Diagnosis
- Sharing Personal Contact Information With Patients
- Country-Specific Norms Created for Cancer-Related Quality of Life
- Nurse-Led vs Oncologist-Led Breast Cancer Follow-up Program: Early Feasibility Results of an Ongoing Study
- Immunotherapy for HER2-positive Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Combination Therapeutic Approaches
- Survey Demonstrates Relationship Between Symptom Burden, Medical Disability Leave Among Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Regimen and Drug Listings
GET FULL LISTINGS OF TREATMENT Regimens and Drug INFORMATION
Bone Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Brain Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Breast Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Endocrine Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Gastrointestinal Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Genitourinary Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Gynecologic Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Head and Neck Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Hematologic Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Lung Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |
Other Cancers | Regimens | |
Rare Cancers | Regimens | |
Skin Cancer | Regimens | Drugs |