The Nonspecificity of Absorption Coefficients in the Differentiation of Solid Tumors and Cystic Lesions

Abstract

Lesions (11) of the [human] brain were analyzed and compared. They had absorption coefficients uniformly at the CSF level following contrast enhancement, and ranged from benign to malignant and solid to cystic. Grossly solid tumors may have absorption coefficients on the CT [computed tomography] scan equal to CSF even after contrast enhancement. Absorption coefficients are misleading as histological indicators and in diagnosis. It is impossible to separate cystic from noncystic, benign from malignant and neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions by absorption coefficients alone.