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Colorectal cancer mimics: a review of the usual suspects with pathology correlation

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Initial diagnosis of colorectal malignancy is generally made on colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or digital rectal examination; however, with increased use of CT as primary investigation in patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, the diagnosis of colon cancer is often first apparent to a radiologist prior to more invasive tests. CT can demonstrate a discrete soft-tissue mass that narrows the colonic lumen or focal nodular wall thickening/stricture and a variety of pericolonic changes. Pattern of wall thickening has been described as an aid to differential diagnosis; however, significant overlap remains between primary colonic tumor and non-colonic tumors or benign conditions. Imaging is non-specific, and appropriate clinical history, direct inspection, histological analysis, and sometimes discussion at MDT are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. In this article, we will review the imaging features of some of these benign and malignant mimics of colorectal cancer, with accompanying histology slides where appropriate.

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Author contributions

All authors were involved in manuscript preparation and revising it. All authors contributed to the intellectual content and are involved in the final approval of the version to be published. All authors are in agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington Hospital, Lovely Lane, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 1QG, UK

    Akash Ganguly, Sara Meredith, Cairine Probert, Jasna Kraecevic & Chinedum Anosike

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  1. Akash Ganguly
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  2. Sara Meredith
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  3. Cairine Probert
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  4. Jasna Kraecevic
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  5. Chinedum Anosike
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Correspondence to Akash Ganguly.

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Akash Ganguly, Sara Meredith, Cairine Probert, Jasna Kraecevic, and Chinedum Anosike declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

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Ganguly, A., Meredith, S., Probert, C. et al. Colorectal cancer mimics: a review of the usual suspects with pathology correlation. Abdom Radiol 41, 1851–1866 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-0771-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-0771-2

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