Dados do Trabalho

Título

Peritoneal carcinomatosis: Where to look, how to suspect, and what the radiologist should not forget.

Introdução e objetivo(s)

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is the dissemination of tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity, usually associated with gastrointestinal and gynecological neoplasias. Its early detection is crucial, as it impacts the prognosis and therapeutic options. The radiologist plays a key role in the diagnosis, requiring precise knowledge of the peritoneal anatomy and strategic sites of dissemination.
Objectives:
To describe the peritoneal anatomy and its relevance in the detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
To identify the main radiological findings, key search sites, and diagnostic criteria for early recognition.

Método(s)

Review of 7 cases with an oncological diagnosis that have suspected or confirmed carcinomatosis by CT or MRI, emphasizing the anatomical sites and forms of presentation.

Discussão

Early diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis is essential to optimize oncological management and improve the patient's prognosis. Its clinical presentation can be nonspecific, which makes radiological suspicion key. It should be considered in patients with a history of gastrointestinal, gynecological or primary neoplasia of unknown origin, especially in the presence of unexplained ascites, peritoneal thickening, nodules on serous surfaces or lesions in typical dissemination sites, such as the pouch of Douglas, the omentum and the subphrenic spaces. A detailed imaging study and an appropriate protocol increase diagnostic sensitivity and avoid false negatives.

Conclusões

Peritoneal carcinomatosis represents a diagnostic challenge in radiology, but its early detection is key to improving patient management and prognosis. A thorough knowledge of peritoneal anatomy, dissemination patterns and key imaging findings allows the radiologist to suspect it in a timely manner. The application of an appropriate protocol and a systematic approach to radiological interpretation are essential to avoid errors and optimize clinical decision making.

Palavras Chave

Carcinomatosis Cancer Metastasis

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