[Computerized tomography staging of carcinomas of the uterus]

Abstract

In the staging of uterine carcinoma, CT is used for the assessment of uterus size and configuration, tumor infiltration into the pelvic soft tissues, involvement of the ureters with urine retention, and lymph node enlargement. Evaluation of parametrial infiltration, which is of utmost importance for therapeutic strategy, is less reliable. CT tends to over-stage parametrial infiltration and is thus inferior not only to MRI, but also to clinical examination if parametrial infiltration is excluded. Partial volume effects may obscure or mimic tumor invasion into the bladder or rectal wall and thus reduce CT accuracy. The value of CT for the staging of uterine carcinoma lies in the assessment of advanced stages of cervical carcinoma and lymph node involvement.