Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in lung cancer imaging

Diagn Interv Imaging. 2016 Oct;97(10):991-1002. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2016.08.015. Epub 2016 Sep 29.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Prognosis and treatment outcomes are known to be related to the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, an accurate assessment of the extent of disease is critical to determine the most appropriate therapy. Currently available imaging modalities for diagnosis and follow-up consist of morphological and functional imaging. Morphological investigations are mainly performed with CT-scan and in some cases with MRI. In this review, we describe the contribution of MRI in lung cancer staging focusing on solid pulmonary nodule characterization and TNM staging assessment using chest and whole-body MRI examinations, detailing in each chapter current recommendations and future developments.

Keywords: Diffusion-weighted images; Lung cancer; Magnetic resonance imaging; TNM staging; Thorax.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods