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01-11-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Special Section: Rectal Cancer

Mucinous rectal cancer: concepts and imaging challenges

Authors: Natally Horvat, Thomas A. Hope, Perry J. Pickhardt, Iva Petkovska

Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 11/2019

Abstract

Rectal adenocarcinoma with mucinous components is an uncommon type of rectal cancer with two distinct histologic subtypes: mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma. Mucin can also be identified as pattern of response after neoadjuvant treatment. On imaging modalities, mucin typically demonstrates high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, low attenuation on computed tomography, and may be negative on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. After neoadjuvant CRT, cellular and acellular mucin share similar imaging features, and differentiating them is currently the main challenge faced by radiologists. Radiologists should be aware of pros, cons, and limitations of each imaging modality in the primary staging and restaging to avoid misinterpretation of the radiological findings.

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Title: Mucinous rectal cancer: concepts and imaging challenges
Authors: Natally Horvat
Thomas A. Hope
Perry J. Pickhardt
Iva Petkovska
Publication date: 01-11-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Computed Tomography
Rectal Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Computed Tomography
Positron Emission Tomography
Published in: Abdominal Radiology / Issue 11/2019
Print ISSN: 2366-004X
Electronic ISSN: 2366-0058
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-019-02019-x

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