Master Clinical Correlation in Radiology - CT Scan Abdomen Interpretation
Correlating clinically with a CT scan of the abdomen is of utmost importance in the diagnostic process and management of various medical conditions and this radiology masterclass discusses the CT scan abdomen interpretation in a very practical manner. A CT (computed tomography) scan is a valuable imaging tool used to evaluate various conditions, including stomach carcinoma (stomach cancer). The specific findings on a CT scan can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Here are some common CT scan findings in stomach carcinoma:
Tumor Mass: A CT scan may reveal the presence of a mass or tumor in the stomach. The size, shape, and location of the tumor can be assessed.
Wall Thickening: Stomach cancer can cause thickening of the stomach wall. This thickening is often irregular and can be seen as an area of increased density on the CT scan.
Lymph Node Enlargement: Cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, especially around the stomach, may be visible on a CT scan.
Involvement of Adjacent Organs: Advanced stomach carcinoma can invade adjacent structures such as the liver, pancreas, or colon. CT scans can show signs of invasion into these neighboring organs.
Peritoneal Involvement: Cancer cells can spread within the peritoneal cavity, a space in the abdomen that contains organs like the liver, spleen, and intestines. CT scans may reveal peritoneal thickening or fluid accumulation (ascites), which can be indicative of peritoneal involvement.
Metastasis: Stomach cancer can metastasize (spread) to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. CT scans are useful for identifying these metastatic lesions.
Obstruction: In some cases, stomach carcinoma can lead to partial or complete obstruction of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). This can be seen on a CT scan as a dilated stomach and distal small bowel loops.
Assessment of Blood Vessels: CT angiography can provide information about the involvement of blood vessels near the stomach, which is important for surgical planning.
Staging: CT scans are essential for staging stomach carcinoma, which helps determine the extent of cancer spread. The TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system is commonly used for this purpose.
It's important to note that CT findings should be interpreted by a radiologist or a medical specialist familiar with stomach cancer to make an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Other imaging modalities and tests, such as endoscopy and biopsy, may also be used in conjunction with CT scans to confirm the diagnosis of stomach carcinoma and plan appropriate treatment.