Rectal cancer DFP dedicated issue: abdominal radiology

Excerpt

I use ERUS (endorectal US) and MR as adjunctive to digital rectal examination for assessment of low and mid rectal neoplasms. Notable features on digital rectal examination include distance of the lesion from the anal verge, depth of invasion, and mobility (predicted clear CRM—circumferential radial margin), as well as wall location, size, and percent of involved wall circumference. Furthermore, digital rectal examination is very useful to assess relationship of the lesion to the upper anal sphincter (puborectalis) and pelvic organs immediately adjacent including prostate, seminal vesicles, vagina, and cervix. Whereas clear resection margins are paramount for prevention of local recurrence and cure of cancer, assessment of non-invasion of surrounding organs and structures is paramount for preserving organ function and quality of life. …