title: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of female pelvic tumors: a pictorial review.
abstract: Functional imaging is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of cancer patients because of the limitations of morphologic imaging, particularly in the assessment of response to therapy. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been established as a useful functional imaging tool in neurologic applications for a number of years, but recent technical advances now allow its use in abdominal and pelvic applications. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging studies of female pelvic tumors have shown reduced apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within cervical and endometrial tumors. In addition, this unique noninvasive modality has demonstrated the capacity to help discriminate between benign and malignant uterine lesions and to help assess the extent of peritoneal spread from gynecologic malignancies. Potential pitfalls can be avoided by reviewing diffusion-weighted MR imaging findings in conjunction with anatomic imaging findings. Increasing familiarity with ADC calculation and manipulation software will allow radiologists to provide new information for the care of patients with known or suspected gynecologic malignancies.
authors.affiliation: Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Rd, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2RN, England. c_whittaker1@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Charlotte S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Whittaker
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coady
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Culver
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rustin
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Padwick
authors.forename: Anwar R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Padhani
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*