Positron emission tomography

Positron emission tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used as a staging investigation in patients with T3, T4, N2, N3 breast cancer and in patients with T1, T2, N0, N1 breast cancer in the presence of symptoms/signs suggestive of metastasis ( Figure 58.10 ). Inflammatory lesions (namely , mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleuropulmonary lesions due to pulmonary tuberculosis [TB]) may give false-positive results, especially in Asian patients. Moreover, PET is very expensive and insurance policies may not cover its cost. 18 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose [ F-FDG]) that may be

(b) (c)

(b) (c) Figure 58.9 Magnetic resonance imaging showing carcinoma of the left breast (arrows). (a) Precontrast; (b) post gadolinium contrast; (c) /uni00A0 subtraction image.