Correlative study between apparent diffusion coefficient value and grading of cervical cancer

Background: Studying cervical cancer is critical as it is the third most common gynecological malignancy. Therefore, a precise preoperative evaluation of the characteristics of the disease as well as prognosis may significantly aid in the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma as well as planning of its treatment. The purpose of the study: To investigate if the value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) could be interpreted as a prognostic indicator to predict cervical cancer aggressiveness prior to management. Results: The value of ADC for high- and low-grade cervical cancer was statistically significantly different. Patients with histological grade I had significantly higher ADC in comparison with those with grade II (1.04 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.82 +/- 0.02 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s; p < 0.001) and those with grade III (1.04 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s; p < 0.001). In addition, patients with grade II had significantly higher ADC in comparison with those with grade III (0.82 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.05 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is one of the non-contrast imaging modalities which is identical for quantitative as well as morphological information. Combined DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient value can perform better in detecting cervical cancer and grading.