Magnetic resonance imaging and its value in the staging of cervical carcinoma - Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and pathological images with FIGO staging system.

Cervical carcinoma is the third most common gynaecologic malignancy and is typically seen in younger women, often with serious consequences. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system provides worldwide epidemiologic and treatment response statistics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although not included officially in that system, plays an integral role in the evaluation of patients with cervical carcinoma. After the histological diagnosis has been made, MRI is recommended for noninvasive evaluation of tumor extent, often helping in designing optimal therapy. MRI renders excellent soft tissue contrast, allowing direct tumor visualization and assessment of tumor volume, depth of penetration, and extension to adjacent tissues. MRI obviates the use of invasive procedures such as cystoscopy and proctoscopy, especially when there is no evidence of local extension. MRI staging, when available, is invaluable for identifying important prognostic factors and optimising treatment strategies. The objective of this review is to discuss the MRI staging of the uterine cervical carcinoma, to propose a comprehensive, clinically relevant MRI examination for the assessment of uterine cervical carcinoma, and to present the correlation between MRI and pathologic imaging in comparison to the FIGO staging system.