Unidimensional and volumetric measurement of cutaneous neoplasms by computed tomography: inter-observers evaluation

Abstract

The diagnostic imaging tools are important in oncology. Particularly, computerized tomography (CT) has been used not only in diagnosis but also in the staging and monitoring the oncologic patients undergoing treatment. The therapeutic response of tumors treated with radiation or chemotherapy takes into account changes in size of the neoplasm, by one-dimensional, two-dimensional or volumetric measurements. There is a consensus in medicine that the methods used for this evaluation must be consistent, standardized and reproducible. The soft tissue neoplasms in dogs and cats are common and in many of them, chemotherapy has been indicated, for cytoreduction and subsequent surgical excision. Even if they are able to evaluate clinically, often the invasive behavior of some of these neoplasms may underestimate their dimensions. The aim of this study was to apply methods of measurements, unidimensional and volumetric, of these formations from the CT images. Furthermore, tomographic characteristics of these neoplasms will be evaluated. Will be analyzed soft tissue tumors of different histological types in dogs and cats, which will be submitted to CT examination. Unidimensional measurements will be performed according to RECIST criteria (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) and the volumetric measurement using specific software. The measurements will be performed by two observers to assess the reproducibility of the methods. (AU)