The awareness of radiologists for the presence of lateral lymph nodes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study.

• Comprehensive reporting of lateral lymph nodes in primary MRI reports was limited to less than 50%. • Lateral lymph nodes are not always discussed during primary multidisciplinary meetings or mentioned in restaging reports. • Improvements in the awareness and knowledge of lateral lymph nodes are needed to ensure adequate multidisciplinary treatment decisions.