case studies

Malignant Melanoma
PET defines the extent of disease

Patient History
A patient presented after completion of radical pelvic radiotherapy for assessment of persistent disease and possible metastatic spread. Conventional CT and MRI failed to show evidence of metastatic disease.

Scan Findings
The Total Body PET scan showed persistent intense FDG accumulation below the bladder in a bulky mass in the region of the primary melanoma. Elsewhere there were multiple focal abnormalities, indicative of very widespread metastatic disease throughout.

Conclusion
PET was able to identify not only persistent uptake in the primary lesion, but extensive metastatic spread not previously seen on conventional imaging techniques such as CT or MRI. Based on the outcome of the PET scan, the patient’s clinical management was revised.

Printer friendly version

Back >>