MRI-Brachytheraphy of Cervical Carcinoma—A Pictorial Review for the Radiologist

Exact staging of cervical malignant neoplasms is essential in the selection of the most favorable therapy. MR imaging plays a comprehensive role in primary tumor staging. It monitors response to treatment, detects recurrence and helps in the planning of radiotherapy. Patients with advanced disease usually receive external-beam radiation therapy followed by intracavitary brachytherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. Brachytherapy based on cross-sectional imaging, especially MR imaging, improves local control and overall survival. MRI-based brachytherapy allows accurate positioning of the probe and the depiction of the tumor volume contour, which also permits individualized treatment planning. In order to obtain successful radiation treatment, the radiologist must provide the radiation oncologist with adequate knowledge regarding this technique and its possible complications.