Imaging rectal cancer in 2018: how good are we?

Abstract

Background: Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Learning objectives: Critical role of radiologist in multidisciplinary pre-treatment assessment of rectal cancer will be outlined. Surgically relevant anatomy and surgical procedures for treatment of high, mid and low rectal tumors will be discussed in the context of interpretation of rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and staging computed tomography (CT) scans. Most up-to-date MR imaging protocols for rectal tumor staging and post treatment assessment will be outlined. Rectal and anal cancer staging will be discussed using multiple cases demonstrating entities corresponding to different types of rectal tumors. Pitfalls of MR imaging with case-based examples will also be discussed. Outcomes: Attendees will increase their familiarity with the most up-to-date imaging techniques for staging and surveillance of rectal cancer. Attendees will enhance their ability to conduct pre-treatment assessment of rectal tumors, including identifying risk factors for recurrence and predicting clear circumferential resection margin. Attendees will also become familiar with pitfalls commonly encountered on rectal MRI scans.