Can MRI detect cervical cancer?

For cervical diseases, especially cervical cancer, magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging method, including gynecology. MRI can be said to be the best imaging method. MRI can directly observe the size of the tumor, observe the invasion of the vagina and paracervix, show the invasion of the pelvic wall, and observe the pelvic lymph nodes. Its limitation is that it cannot distinguish the stages before IB, and there may be false negatives and false positives for some IIB stages. In addition, enhanced scanning must be performed when stage IVA is suspected.

The significance of MRI examination for cervical cancer

1. Discover lesions, stage them, and decide on treatment plans

2. Preoperative prognosis evaluation

3. Evaluate the efficacy after surgery or treatment

4. Discovery of metastasis and recurrence

MRI examination method

Scanning technique: sagittal, transverse

Scanning range: From the level of the lower pole of the left kidney to the perineum plane

Enhanced scanning when necessary

MRI manifestations of cervical cancer

1. Exophytic: a mass that protrudes outside the cervix

2. Invasive type: Invasive development along the endocervical membrane and myometrium

3. Endocervical type: expansive growth within the cervical canal

MRI staging points

IB: The tumor is not shown on MR or is confined to the cervical stroma, including stages 0, IA, and IB

ⅡA: normal low signal vaginal wall disappears

IIB: Abnormal signal appears in the paracervical area, accompanied by complete disappearance of the low signal cervical stroma

ⅢA: ⅡA manifestations extend to the lower 1/3 of the vagina

IIIB: IIB extension to the pelvic wall or causing ureteral obstruction

IVA: The normal low signal of the bladder or rectal wall disappears, especially on sagittal T2WI images