The false assumption of lung cancer based upon a positive positron emission tomographic scan.
OBJECTIVE
To show that positron emission tomography (PET) can have false positive results from inflammatory lesions.


METHODS
We present a complicated, elderly patient who underwent an extensive work-up that failed to provide a diagnosis for a radiographic abnormality.


RESULTS
A PET scan was positive and the patient was believed to have lung carcinoma until eventual surgical excision was performed. Final pathology revealed that the patient had exogenous lipoid pneumonia.


CONCLUSIONS
PET scans that are positive cannot be assumed to show a malignancy. Inflammatory lesions will also be positive with PET scanning.
Northern Illinois Cardiovascular & Thoracic Specialists, 1100 West Central Road, Suite 408, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA. heartandbones@yahoo.com
John Alfred
JA
Carr
Jeffrey M
JM
Silver