Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative determination of tumor resectability in previously irradiated groin tumor

We present an unusual case in which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was uti lized in the preoperative determination of resectability of a large inguina l tumor. The patient had previously presented with a large fungating, surgi cally nonresectable mass, which impinged upon the anterior ramus of the pub ic bone. Following chemotherapy and radiation, the mass appeared more mobil e and surgically resectable. Due to fibrosis and induration, the relationsh ip of the tumor and underlying femoral vascular bundle were unclear. MR ima ging clearly depicted that the tumor was sufficiently distant from the vess els, to allow safe resection with an adequate surgical margin. Resection wa s performed with clear lateral and deep margins. Histopathology demonstrate d squamous cell carcinoma of the inguinal skill replacing subcutaneous tiss ue. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.