Role of 18FDG-PET/CT in evaluation of breast cancer metastasis
Abstract: background: Worldwide breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women and it is the most common leading cause of cancer death. Early detection of breast cancer is considered to be an essential milestone in the control of breast cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial in determining the choice of therapy, patient's prognosis and chances for survival. PET/CT is a new imaging modality in oncology it has the gold standard role for oncologic imaging compared with other imaging modalities to demonstrate proper extent of the disease and metastatic spread within a single non-invasive investigation. PET/CT collect between the CT anatomical information and PET functional information leading to increase the ability in different types of clinical oncology and provides an effective and accurate imaging technique for a variety of diagnostic oncology. In breast cancer, main applications were detection of malignancy, re-staging , detection of metastatic disease and for monitoring treatment response.
Objective: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the role of (18FDG- PET/CT) in breast cancer metastasis.
Patients and methods: Fifty female patients with breast cancer were included in this study.
Results: PET/CT showed high sensitivity and specificity to detect breast cancer metastasis involving loco-regional metastasis (nodal) and distant metastasis. Bone is the most frequent site of distant metastasis in breast cancer patients.
Conclusion: PET/CT can detect metastatic spread in breast cancer and monitor therapy response.
Keywords: [18] fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography /computed tomography (18FDG - PET/CT); breast cancer; distant metastasis.