Role of the CT scanner in the management of cancer.

Although the diagnostic scope of computed tomography has widened considerably in recent years, assessment of patients with suspected or known malignant disease remains the major reason for body CT referrals in the United Kingdom. This paper sets out to define important advantages and limitations of CT in cancer diagnosis, addressing the topics of primary diagnosis, staging, and patient follow up. There is relatively little information on the influence of CT on patient management in oncology but reported studies indicate that CT directly alters clinical decisions in 14-30% of patients. This aspect requires further evaluation and is of particular relevance when considering the appropriate use of high cost technology.