Use of Imaging for GI Cancers

GI cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that differ in their biologic and physical behaviors depending on the organ of origin, location within the organ, and degree of differentiation. As a result, evaluation of these tumors is complex, requiring integration of information from a patient's clinical history, physical examination, laboratory data, and imaging. With advances in anatomic and functional imaging techniques, we now have tools for assessing patients with these tumors at diagnosis, staging, and treatment assessment. It is difficult for a single imaging modality to provide all the necessary information for a given GI tumor. However, well-chosen combinations of available imaging modalities based on the indications, strength, and limitations of the modalities will provide optimal evaluation of patients with these malignancies.