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Malignant Tumors of the Colon

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Radiology Illustrated: Gastrointestinal Tract

Part of the book series: Radiology Illustrated ((RADILL))

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Abstract

Like many other cancers, colorectal malignancies are categorized as epithelial, non-epithelial (mesenchymal and lymphomas), and secondary tumors according to the 2010 WHO classification guidelines. Of these, adenocarcinomas that develop from the epithelial cells of the colorectal mucosa account for over 95 % of malignant tumors of the colon. Other rare tumor types include gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), lymphoma, unusual sarcoma, and metastasis. Because the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is based on histologic confirmation through colonoscopy, the role of imaging is to assist in preoperative risk assessment, including TNM staging and mesorectal fascia (MRF) involvement for therapeutic plan. In some cases, CRC can lead to notable complications, such as obstruction, perforation, ischemia, or intussusception, although these manifestations of CRC can typically be identified using appropriate imaging methods prior to colonoscopy. In this chapter, we describe TNM staging and risk assessment beyond CRC staging. We also review the imaging features of other rare tumor forms, such as GIST, lymphoma, and metastasis, which may be useful in CRC characterization and differentiation.

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Abbreviations

CRC:

Colorectal cancer

CRM:

Circumferential resection margin

CRT:

Chemoradiotherapy

CT:

Computed tomography

DWI:

Diffusion-weighted imaging

EUS:

Endoscopic ultrasound

GIST:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor

MRF:

Mesorectal fascia

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea

    Seung Ho Kim

  2. Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea

    Seung Hyun Cho

Authors
  1. Seung Ho Kim
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  2. Seung Hyun Cho
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Correspondence to Seung Ho Kim .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

    Byung Ihn Choi

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Kim, S.H., Cho, S.H. (2015). Malignant Tumors of the Colon. In: Choi, B. (eds) Radiology Illustrated: Gastrointestinal Tract. Radiology Illustrated. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55412-4_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55412-4_19

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-55411-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-55412-4

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