Recent research has shown that the new technique known as endocavitary MRI can analyze the extent of cervical cancer in a better way. This technique can locate previously undetectable early stage cervical cancers.

The new method equips doctors to carry out precise surgery to remove the tumours, rather than having to opt for a full hysterectomy.

In endocavitary MRI, the MRI component, called "diffusion-weighted imaging," helps measure the movement of water within cervical tissue. Researchers said that the ring coil enables the high-resolution MRI -- it is the equivalent of using a zoom lens on a camera. When it is used in combination with the vaginal coil, endocavitary MRI helps researchers to spot smaller tumors and then decide on treatment options based on how extensive the cancer is.

The study involving 59 women with cervical cancer aged between 24 and 83, produced highly promising results. Data analysis showed that 88% of tumours could be detected using an internal probe and diffusion-weighted imaging, compared with only 77% using external scans.

Lead researcher Professor Nandita deSouza said: "The quality of the information from the images produced using this new method has allowed us to identify and define smaller tumours more accurately."

She added: "We can use this information to plan less radical surgery, preserving as much of the uterus and the cervix as possible."