Worldwide, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer amongst women, with an incidence rate more than twice that of colorectal cancer and cervical cancer and about three times that of lung cancer. Whilst screening programmes have improved detection, this disease still places a very high burden on healthcare services worldwide. Over the last two decades, improved public awareness, the implementation of population screening by mammography, and the development of new technology for diagnosis have transformed the care of patients with breast cancer. In this volume, recognised experts discuss key current issues in the diagnosis and management of breast disease. The development and application of new diagnostic techniques is described as well as the use of sophisticated drugs for more effective treatment. Complex contentious topics including risk factors, borderline lesions, professional performance and quality assurance are thoroughly explored by an expert multidisciplinary team.

Primary carcinomas of the liver are increasing in incidence in the developed world, probably due to dietary and environmental factors as well as the known role of infective agents such as Hepatitis C. They are usually diagnosed in the advanced stages and carry high morbidity and mortality. This volume summarises the latest developments in imaging of primary hepatic carcinomas, emphasising the multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients. In addition to extensive chapters on the radiological issues surrounding diagnosis and staging of the malignancies, individual chapters on epidemiology, pathology, and surgical and non-surgical treatment options are included. All treatment options are considered for both HCC and cholangiocarcinoma, including newer techniques such as TACE. Only by a well orchestrated multidisciplinary team approach including epidemiologists, diagnostic radiologists, hepatologists, oncologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and pathologists can these complex malignancies be managed successfully.

Gastric adenocarcinoma is the second most common cancer worldwide. It is usually diagnosed at a late stage and prognosis is poor; even with modern diagnostic and treatment methods the 5-year survival is only 10%. Improvements in overall patient survival can only be achieved by earlier diagnosis and by tailored therapeutic strategies based on tumor type, location and stage at presentation. This volume provides a state-of-the-art, integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patient management. The role of the upper GI series, endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, MDCT, MRI, and PET/CT in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer is emphasized. The relative strengths and limitations of these diagnostic examinations will be presented in context with the most recent epidemiologic, pathologic, and therapeutic concepts regarding this tumor. With expert contributions from members of an international multidisciplinary team, this is an invaluable guide to the diagnosis and management of gastric malignancies.

Interventional radiological techniques are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of both primary and secondary malignant liver tumours. Surgery for liver tumours can be effective but carries considerable risks and new techniques have recently been developed. This volume provides an account of interventional radiological methods by some of the greatest experts in the field. It includes chapters on cryotherapy, chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation and an extensive chapter on imaging techniques. The scientific background of these techniques, the pathology of the diseases involved and an analysis of more traditional surgical methods are also described. This text brings together the latest advances in this fast-developing field.

Written by a team of expert authors from all members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team, Pancreatic Cancer summarizes our current understanding of the epidemiology, genetics, imaging and treatment of these complex malignancies. Each imaging modality is reviewed, with an emphasis on MDCT, MRI and EUS; the key aspects of image interpretation are covered. Separate chapters focus on diagnosis and staging of ductal adenocarcinoma, cystic pancreatic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors; rare neoplasms and benign pancreatic disorders that mimic pancreatic cancer are also considered. All treatment options are discussed in detail, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and the multidisciplinary approach to patients with more advanced disease is fully reviewed. This volume is a state-of-the-art review of current practice and knowledge of pancreatic cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men in the Western world. Although a wide range of treatment regimens are available for this disease, there are few evidence-based guidelines for treatment selection. This volume describes the clinical value of imaging for improving not only staging and treatment selection, but also the diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment follow-up for patients with prostate cancer. A multidisciplinary disease management approach is critical in this disease. For the radiologist, understanding the pathophysiology, critical clinical issues, and advantages and limitations of different treatments is essential for meaningful interpretation of imaging studies. Similarly, for the practising clinician, understanding the advantages and limitations of imaging modalities and the importance of optimal technique are crucial to the rational use of imaging. This volume serves as a valuable reference for radiologists, urologists, medical and radiation oncologists and all practitioners involved in the management of prostate cancer.

Imaging studies provide crucial information on disease extent in head and neck malignancies. A thorough knowledge of the loco-regional anatomy of this complex area and a proper understanding of the natural disease spread pattern are prerequisites in the interpretation of these imaging studies. Tumor extent influences tumor staging, predicts outcome and influences treatment choices. Knowledge of the different treatment options and expected post-therapeutic tissue changes are also critical in order to use imaging adequately in the surveillance of these patients. After an introductory chapter on epidemiology and clinical signs, this book reviews the pertinent imaging findings for each of the major anatomical subsites. Emphasis is on CT and MRI, but PET and ultrasound are also discussed where appropriate. Reviews on modern surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques are included, helping the reader to understand post-treatment tissue changes and how to differentiate these from tumor recurrence or treatment complications.

Bladder cancer is a common and dangerous malignancy which is associated with a variety of known and unknown environmental factors. Clinical management and surgical techniques prioritise detection and treatment of early tumours, which form the majority of newly diagnosed cancers. Imaging is central to establishing the presence of more advanced disease, for which a variety of treatment options exist, including radical curative surgery with or without bladder reconstruction, radiation therapy with curative or palliative intent, and systemic or local chemotherapy. Imaging techniques continue to evolve and this volume explores the relevance of CT with multidetector array, MRI, and computer-based reconstructions such as 'virtual cystoscopy' to treatment choices in today's practice. A review of follow-up strategies and the imaging appearances of treated disease is presented, along with descriptions of modern surgical techniques, radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the developed world. The last five years have seen dramatic improvements in the multidisciplinary management of this malignancy. In this volume, experts at the forefront of these advances contribute their knowledge and experience on the major advances that have occurred in diagnosis, staging, preoperative and adjuvant therapy, surgery and follow-up assessment of patients with this disease. Imaging underpins all aspects of the clinical management of colorectal cancer and has been shown to play a critical role in improving outcomes for patients.About the seriesEach volume in Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging - A Multidisciplinary Approach is edited by an expert guest editor, with contributions from all members of the multidisciplinary team, bringing together expertise from many specialties to promote the understanding and application of modern imaging in overall patient management.

Esophageal cancer is a relatively uncommon but highly lethal malignancy. The incidence of adenocarcinoma is rapidly increasing and improved survival will depend on prevention, earlier diagnosis, improved staging and appropriate treatment. The multidisciplinary team approach toward patient care is critical in determining the management of patients with esophageal cancer. This volume provides a detailed review of new endoscopic methods of diagnosis, staging using both conventional and functional imaging and assessment of surgical and medical methods of therapy, providing all members of the team with a detailed overview of the diagnosis and management of this malignancy.

The last two decades have seen ground-shifting changes in the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis and management of renal cancer. Advances in diagnosis have led to many tumours being identified at an asymptomatic stage. There have also been parallel advances in treatment, such as nephron sparing procedures and radiologically guided ablative procedures. However, these changes have brought with them dilemmas such as our ability to evaluate the nature and aggressiveness of early stage tumours and how best to identify those patients who will benefit most from early treatment. This practical, clinically-oriented volume focuses on these current diagnostic and clinical challenges, making it relevant to all members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team.

Despite the world-wide drive to increase awareness of the risks of smoking, lung cancer remains a global problem. A multidisciplinary team approach is now considered the most effective way to manage lung cancer. Imaging plays a central role in this multidisciplinary approach; this is reflected in the present volume. Individual chapters focus on imaging (including screening, diagnosis of symptomatic cases and staging), pathology and treatment options in lung cancer. Due to recent interest in the potential role of PET for a variety of malignancies, a separate chapter is devoted to this technique. Each volume in Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging is co-ordinated by an expert guest editor with contributions from all members of the multidisciplinary team, bringing together expertise from many specialities to promote the understanding and application of modern imaging in patient management.

Ovarian cancer is not only the commonest but also the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, partly because the majority of patients present with advanced disease. Nevertheless, the management of patients with ovarian neoplasms has changed substantially recently, with improved survival due to better screening strategies, major advances in chemotherapy and the constantly evolving role of surgery. Optimal patient care is best achieved by a multidisciplinary team, with imaging playing a pivotal role. The explosion of technological developments in imaging in recent years has meant that all members of the team should understand the potential applications, limitations and advantages of evolving imaging techniques. Each volume in Contemporary Issues in Cancer Imaging - A Multidisciplinary Approach is edited by an expert guest editor with contributions from all members of the multidisciplinary team, thus bringing together expertise from many specialties to promote the understanding and application of modern imaging in overall patient management.