Diffusion-weighted MRI: a new functional clinical technique for tumour imaging.

摘要

One of the key aims of oncological imaging is to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant tissues at all stages of the patient's cancer care. Accurate staging and precise delineation of the extent of malignancy influences therapeutic decisions, therapy outcomes and, ultimately, patient prognosis. Conventional imaging using ultrasound, CT or MRI detects cancer by identifying anatomical distortion or altered tissue appearances. Tumour tissue conspicuity may be increased after the administration of intravenous contrast medium, thus enhancing detection and delineation. However, identification of small volume active tumour, either at presentation or at early disease relapse remains challenging because small volume disease may not result in detectable structural or morphological change on conventional imaging. Furthermore, the effects of therapy and complications thereof may obscure or mimic recurrent disease.