Staging of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a relatively rare malignancy. Treatment consists of chemoradiation and most patients achieve a complete response. Local evaluation of the T and N stage is performed by MR imaging. Whole-body staging with 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography scans or computed tomography scans is used to detect metastases. T stage is based on tumor size or invasion of organs. N stage is based on nodal location. After chemoradiation, clinical evaluation and MR imaging is used to assess tumor and nodal response. Maximal response is achieved 6  months after chemoradiation. Beware of development of anal cancer in perianal fistulas.
Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research