Apparent diffusion coefficient value in evaluating types, stages and histologic grading of cancer cervix

AimTo determine whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements calculated values were significantly different between cervical tumors with different histological characteristics (type, degree of differentiation, and stage of malignancy).Patients and methodsMRI and DWI scans performed in 26 pathologically proved cancer cervix patients. ADC values of different pathological types of cervical cancer were compared. Student’s t test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere were 18 squamous cell carcinoma and 8 adenocarcinomas showed with biopsy results. Early stage (FIGO-Ib–IIa, n = 7), (FIGO-IIb–IIIb–IVa, n = 19). The mean ADC values for squamous cell carcinoma (n = 18), and adenocarcinoma (n = 8) were 0.88 × 10−3, and 0.91 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in ADC value between both tumor types (P < 0.05). There was also significant difference between the mean ADC values of the tumor grade I and the other grades (II, III) (p < 0.05). The mean ADC values in early stage cervical cancer (0.83 ± 0.05 × 10−3 mm2/s) were significantly lower than the mean ADC values in late stage disease (0.98 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s) (p < 0.05).ConclusionADC value measurements can provide useful information in diagnosis of cervical cancer as well as in preoperative assessment of the tumor stage.