Sonographic detection of rectal carcinoma

Sonograms in 131 patients with rectal carcinoma confirmed with surgery or endoscopic biopsy were included in this 7-year study. Rectal carcinoma was detected in 121 (92%) of 131 patients. Seventeen patients had a hypoechoic mass in the rectum, and 104 patients showed rectal wall thickening (mean, 12 mm). One hundred seven (97%) rectal carcinomas were detected in 110 patients with clinically suspected rectal carcinoma, and 14 (67%) rectal carcinomas were detected in 21 patients who underwent routine sonographic examination without information about rectal carcinoma. There were 19 hepatic metastases and 12 lymph node metastases. A few cases invaded to the adjacent organs, such as the uterus, seminal vesicle, ovary, or prostate. Rectal carcinoma can be detected by meticulous examination of the rectal wall during routine abdominal sonography in patients with suspected rectal carcinoma.