# 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 

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