Diffusion-weighted imaging in gynaecological malignancies

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an important tool in the assessment of gynaecological malignancies, enhancing the field of tumor biology beyond where conventional imaging techniques have taken us. This review focuses on the application, benefits, limitations, and future prospects of DWI in gynaecological cancers across multiple treatment stages including diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring. This review places emphasis on three key roles of DWI namely, differentiating benign from malignant lesions, assessing tumor response to therapy, and its prognostic value. The article synthesizes findings from recent studies, provides a critical appraisal of the current evidence and also identifies gaps for future research.