Follow-up imaging of anal cancer after treatment

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2023 Sep;48(9):2888-2897. doi: 10.1007/s00261-023-03895-0. Epub 2023 Apr 6.

Abstract

Anal cancer treatment response assessment can be challenging with both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation considered essential. MRI, in particular, has shown to be useful for the assessment of treatment response, the detection of recurrent disease in follow up and surveillance, and the evaluation of possible post-treatment complications as well as complications from the tumor itself. In this review, we focus on the role of imaging, mainly MRI, in anal cancer treatment response assessment. We also describe the treatment complications that can occur, and the imaging findings associated with those complications.

Keywords: Anal cancer; Anal squamous cell carcinoma; Magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal
  • Anus Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Anus Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Anus Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods