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What is the best way to stage rectal cancer?
It has been said that an educated finger is the best instrument; however, the overall accuracy of staging depends on the information desired and the modality chosen.
Staging guidelines are outlined in the below table; however, operator experience and judgment remain invaluable.
Estimated Accuracy of Rectal Cancer Staging Modalities
| Endoscopic Ultrasound (u) | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Computed Tomography | |
|---|---|---|---|
| T stage | 85% | 80% | 65% |
| N stage | 75% | 60% | 55% |
| Overall | 80% | 70% | 60% |

