MRI Features and Staging of Cervical Carcinoma

Objective To study MRI features and staging of cervical carcinoma, and to evaluate MRI in the diagnosis and clinical management of cervical carcinoma. Materials and Methods MRI findings and staging in 56 patients with cervical carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. MRI scanning performed in all patients included axial T 1WI SE, axial and sagittal T 2WI TSE, coronal SPIR and Gd DTPA enhanced 3D scanning.Results (1) On T 2WI, the tumor showed heterogeneous moderate intensity signal with an excellent contrast-noise ratio (CNR), which enabled to judge the size and extension of the tumor. (2) Parametrial involvement was a common finding while vaginal involvement was not common. Based on MRI staging, stage ⅠB was seen in 2 cases, ⅡA in 2, ⅡB in 32, ⅢA in 2, ⅢB in 7, IVA in 9 and IVB in 2.Conclusion MRI can well demonstrate the size and extension, especially the parametrial involvement, of the cervical carcinoma. MRI is very helpful in the staging of the disease and in making the therapeutic plan. It is suggested that MRI should be regarded as a conventional study for the patients with cervical carcinoma.