Three-dimensional color power Doppler as an imaging technique in cancer

Ultrasound analysis plays an important role in the assessment of morphology of different forms of cancerous lesions. However, owing to the large number of false positive results, the accuracy of the technique has been largely restrictive in nature. Pulsed Doppler spectral analysis and color Doppler imaging enable the evaluation of blood vessel distribution, tumor blood flow, and quantitative measurement of blood flow velocity in different forms of cancer. Unfortunately, no consensus could be found regarding the exact cut off values and the Doppler parameters most predictive of malignancy. Tumor vascular features could be efficiently evaluated with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound. Three-dimensional power Doppler imaging in patients showing 'positive' results with available standard tests, in combination with color Doppler, represents a novel procedure for accurate early detection of different cancer types. Combined evaluations of neovascularity and morphology by three dimensional color power Doppler possess the potential of differentiating between benign and malignant tumors and may facilitate early detection. In this review, we assess the potential of three dimensional color power Doppler in the evaluation and diagnosis of different types of cancers.