COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER AND PARACANCEROUS CHANGES IN THE THORACIC CAVITY

Lung cancer in 13,7-51,4% cases complicated with paracancerous changes in the thoracic cavity. Computed tomography allows to detect the true size of the tumor and final stage T (tumor) of oncological process as well in preoperative period. The accuracy of computer tomography in the evaluation of the regional spread of the tumor process is 90%. Combination of tumor and inflammation (paracancerous changes in the thoracic cavity) in the lungs is difficult to detect the true margins of the tumor by CT. Because of this combination evaluation of regional spread is incorrect. The accuracy of CT in determining the regional spread complicated by lung cancer is 77%. Patients with paracancerous changes in the thoracic cavity need to undergo MRI in preoperative period to evaluate the grade of local invasion of tumor. Post contrast T1-MRI gives the opportunity to visualize the margins of tumor, and also to differentiate it from the lymph nodes.

lung cancer, paracancerous changes, obstructive pneumonitis, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging