[A role of PET and CT examinations in the management of malignant disorders of the large intestine and rectum--a review].

Current treatment methods of solid malignant disorders, in particular, depend, more and more, on perfection of paraclinical examination methods. Clinical examination conclusions, supported by imaging findings, determine the treatment strategy. Radical surgical procedures still remain the only treatment modality resulting in a patient's recovery. Correct timing of the procedure with respect to other therapeutical modalities, has a major positive impact on the treatment success rates. Ongoing improvements of imaging methods and development of new methods introduced in our clinical practice have made individual patient treatment plans possible. The overview includes brief history of the imaging techniques development, as well as current situation in the large intestinal and rectal malignancies in various disease stages, supported by the most significant of the few presented studies.