P.A. Hulse and B.M. Carrington, eds.
London, U.K.: Martin Dunitz, 2004, 251 pages, $129.95
Most pelvic cancer is diagnosed on clinical examination supplemented by findings from cystoscopy, colposcopy, or sigmoidoscopy. In the investigation of a pelvic mass, transabdominal ultrasonography is often the first examination, and transvaginal or transrectal ultrasonography offers better image resolution. CT may be performed if the disease is suspected to involve the thorax or abdomen. MRI has been used increasingly in the initial assessment of pelvic tumors and has provided exquisite detail of pelvic anatomy and marvelous contrast resolution.
This book was compiled to provide radiologists and oncologists with a working knowledge of, and a comprehensive set of excellent-quality images of, the various types of pelvic cancer. The book consists of 14 chapters: The first 3 deal with pelvic anatomy, MRI techniques, and the role of MRI in the diagnosis and staging of pelvic tumors. Other chapters discuss cancer arising from various intrapelvic locations. Brief background information is given on each type of pelvic cancer, as is a set of MR images demonstrating primary cancer, metastatic nodes, and stages based on the most recent revision of the TNM staging system. There are also images highlighting pitfalls in the MRI diagnosis and staging of each type of cancer, as well as illustrations of recurrent cancer and findings after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The final 2 chapters discuss and illustrate the use of MRI before exenteration and imaging of metastatic cancer within the pelvis.
The book is well organized and profusely illustrated. The references are somewhat scanty and need to be brought up to date. Although intended as a bench reference for radiologists and oncologists dealing with pelvic cancer, the book is also useful for trainees in radiology, nuclear medicine, or oncology and for nuclear physicians and technologists who are not yet comfortable with pelvic anatomy or cancer staging.