Imaging diagnosis in rectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction. Rectal cancer represents a significant weight in oncological pathology, constituting around 4-5% of all cancers, being one of the most common locations of cancer in the human intestine. It predominantly affects the elderly, with most cases occurring in people aged 50 and over. According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, rectal cancer deaths in the Republic of Moldova reached 1,030 or 2.67% of the total number of deaths. The age-adjusted death rate is 17.43 per 100,000 inhabitants. One year after rectal cancer detection, in the Republic of Moldova, approximately 98 (18%) diagnosed patients die. This disease predominantly affects individuals from the urban residence, mostly men, the ratio between men/women being 1.11/1.. In this context, imaging plays a primary role in establishing the diagnosis and subsequently the treatment strategy of rectal cancer. Such investigations as Irigoscopy, Colonoscopy, MRI, CT represent the basic source in providing information regarding the pathology. Aim of study. Assessment of imaging informativeness in the diagnosis of rectal cancer in order to establish the optimal imaging method. Methods and materials. The study carried out in the imaging diagnosis of rectal cancer was based on the research of specialized literature and medical files from the archive of the Oncological Institute. Results. According to the gender the diagnosis of rectal cancer is more common among men than women, the age that this disease occurs varies between 50 - 60 years old. Conclusion. Each imaging modality has its own strengths and limitations, and the choice of imaging technique depends on the specific clinical scenario and the information needed for treatment planning. In the Republic of Moldova the golden standard for diagnosing rectal cancer is colonoscopy.