title: Imaging in rectal cancer: magnetic resonance imaging versus endorectal ultrasonography.
abstract: Over the past several decades there have been tremendous improvements in the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer. Imaging modalities such as endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography scanning play a pivotal role in evaluating rectal cancer preoperatively, planning surgical procedures, and selecting patients for neoadjuvant therapy. This article provides an overview of rectal anatomy and pelvic structures relevant to preoperative assessment and surgical treatment. The technical aspects, applications, and limitations of the imaging tools currently in use are examined, focusing on MRI and ERUS.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Tushar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Samdani
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garcia-Aguilar
mesh_terms: D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: Circumferential resection margin; Endorectal ultrasonography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Rectal cancer; Tumor staging