Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in oncology

Abstract

Inpatientswithknownmalignant disease,51%of liver lesions lessthan1.5 cmturnouttobebenign.Whetherthe probability ofmalignancyishighor low, further investigations are often necessary to definitely exclude malignancy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has a prominent role in lesion characterization with a diagnostic accuracy comparable with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Anti-angiogenic treatment is common in most oncological institutions and the response evaluation is a new challenge with a research focus on the change in tumour vasculature and perfusion. In planning biopsies, CEUS can identify necrotic and viable areas of tumours and improve the diagnostic accuracy. © 2009 International Cancer Imaging Society.