ECR 2026, Vienna

E³ – Young ECR Programme: Basic Session – Organised by the ESR

BS 22 – Rectal cancer staging made simple: TNM classification for radiologists

Sunday, March 8, 08:00 – 09:00 CET

5 min
Chairperson’s introduction
Regina G.H. Beets-Tan, Amsterdam / Netherlands

15 min
Concept-based learning: understanding TNM staging
Ioana Andreea Gheonea, Craiova / Romania

1. To explain the fundamentals of TNM staging.
2. To show how TNM staging impacts surgical planning, neoadjuvant therapy, and prognosis.
3. To discuss the structured templates and AI in TNM staging.

20 min
Interactive case-based learning: applying TNM to real cases
Ferdinand Bauer, Kaufbeuren / Germany

1. To present anonymised MRI/CT images of rectal cancer cases.
2. To discuss common pitfalls, such as over-/under-staging, and unclear mesorectal involvement.
3. To compare junior radiologists‘ assessments vs expert reports for self-evaluation.

20 min
Gamification: TNM quiz and rapid image review challenge
<INTERACTIVE>
Lucian Mihai Florescu, Craiova / Romania

1. To present 10 rectal MRI images in quick succession and ask participants to classify them within 10 seconds each (TNM Staging Rapid Fire).
2. To show intentionally misclassified TNM reports and ask participants to spot the errors (Staging Error Hunt).
3. To present learning ideas.