[PET scanning in head and neck cancer]
INTRODUCTION: FDG (fluorine-labeled deoxy-glucose) and 11C-methionine positron emission tomography was evaluated in the diagnostics of head and neck cancer. PET scans were applied for identifying/staging relapse after oncotherapy or searching unknown primary tumor with metastatic lymph nodes of the neck. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 22 patients examined by 17 (18)FDG and 15 (11)C-methionine PET scan. In 9 cases indication was unknown primary tumor with positive neck, in 13 cases previously treated head and neck cancer patients were examined for recurrence/restaging. RESULTS: In searching for unknown primary tumor not detectable with conventional methods, PET was effective in 22%, however, false positivity and uncertain results were found as well. In restaging PET proved to be very effective (85%) to discover recurrences and to differentiate them from post-treatment (mainly irradiation) effects. In two cases silent distant metastase were detected. CONCLUSION: PET can provide valuable information about unknown primary tumors, recurrences after oncotherapy and distant metastases as well. Simultaneous use of FDG/methionine scans does not improve the results.
Udvaros
I
I
National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, H-1122, Hungary. jtimar@oncol.hu
Szakáll
Sz
S
Oberna
F
F
Pólus
K
K
Esik
O
O
Trón
L
L
Kásler
M
M
Pozitronemissziós tomográfia a fej-nyaki tumorok diagnosztikájában.