DWI as a Tool for Early Detection of Rectal Cancer in High-Risk Populations

EasyChair Preprint 14757

Abstract

Rectal cancer is a significant global health concern, with early detection being crucial for improving patient survival rates. High-risk populations, including those with a family history of cancer, genetic predispositions, and inflammatory bowel diseases, require more effective screening strategies beyond conventional methods like colonoscopy and fecal testing. Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique, has shown promise in early cancer detection by capturing differences in water molecule diffusion in tissues. This paper explores the potential of DWI as a tool for early detection of rectal cancer in high-risk populations, highlighting its ability to identify pre-cancerous lesions, differentiate between benign and malignant tissues, and provide greater diagnostic accuracy.
DWI offers several advantages over traditional screening, such as being non-invasive, avoiding the use of contrast agents, and offering higher sensitivity to early tumor changes. Moreover, it may reduce the need for invasive biopsies and frequent colonoscopies, particularly in younger patients who require regular monitoring. However, DWI's technical limitations, such as artifacts and standardization challenges, must be addressed for its widespread clinical use. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to evaluate DWI's effectiveness, and future integration with artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to further enhance diagnostic accuracy. Overall, DWI has the potential to become a valuable tool in early rectal cancer detection, particularly for individuals at high risk, though more research is needed to fully validate its role in routine screening.

Keyphrases: DWI as a Tool for Early Detection of Rectal Cancer in High-Risk Populations, Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Imaging in Rectal Cancer Detection

@booklet{EasyChair:14757,
  author    = {Oyerinde Bamiyinoluwa},
  title     = {DWI as a Tool for Early Detection of Rectal Cancer in High-Risk Populations},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14757},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}