Colorectal cancer imaging

Abstract

Official estimates rank colorectal cancer third in both incidence and cause of death for all U.S. cancers. This article discusses the role of diagnostic imaging in screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the colon and rectum. After completing this article, readers should be able to: Explain basic anatomy of the colon and rectum. Discuss the histology and staging of colorectal cancer. Identify various colorectal screening tests, including colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) colonography and magnetic resonance (MR) colonography. Understand the role of diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis and staging of colorectal cancer. Describe diagnostic imaging of colorectal cancer recurrence.