Tutorial 12: Radiological Investigation of Common Malignancies

Radiological investigations are central to cancer screening, diagnosis and follow up. This chapter aims to familiarise students with the role of imaging in oncology. It is important for students to understand when imaging is appropriate and what studies are most helpful for different cancer types and at different stages in the patient’s journey. We will highlight the most relevant radiological investigations for the most common cancers, specifically colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. After completion of this tutorial, students should be able to choose the preferred imaging investigations for these malignancies, identify basic imaging features and understand the principles of cancer screening, staging and surveillance.