Standardised tumour, node and metastasis reporting of oncology CT scans.
The oncology CT report is a vital piece of communication between the radiologist and the treating clinician and often determines patient management. The use of a standardised report that follows the tumour, node and metastasis (TNM) structure makes it easier for the radiologist to include all of the necessary information in an easy-to-read format. Presenting the results under the headings of primary tumour, lymph nodes, metastases, and other findings follows a similar pattern to that used by pathologists and also follows the thought process of the treating clinician. Standardised templates for TNM-based oncology CT reports were introduced into public and private institutions. An audit of 199 reports demonstrated a significant increase in the presence of measurements and conclusions in the template reports. While there was a non-significant increase in the use of correct Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours terminology for template reports, there was an improved attempt to describe the disease response. Saving measurements as a summary series on PACS also assists follow-up reporting.
Gormly
K L M
KL
Department of Radiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia. kirsten.gormly@i-med.com.au
D001315:Australia; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000592:standards*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards*