title: Retrospective chart analysis of incidental findings detected by (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) frequently reveals incidental findings. The present study focused on incidental FDG-PET/CT findings in cutaneous melanoma patients, and verified their relevance with respect to further diagnostic measures and interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of 181 consecutive melanoma patients were retrospectively evaluated to verify the management of incidental findings, with particular emphasis on histological findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-three of 181 (18 %) patients showed 39 relevant incidental findings, located in the colorectal tract (n  =  15 patients), thyroid (n  =  8), prostate (n  =  2), locomotor system (n  =  2), lymph nodes (n  =  2), parotid gland (n  =  1), tonsils (n  =  1), kidneys (n  =  1), and gallbladder (n  =  1). Performed in 25 patients, additional diagnostic procedures revealed a clinical correlate in 21 cases. Sixteen of 21 patients had tumoral involvement, including five malignant lesions (four colorectal and one prostate carcinoma). The malignancies were diagnosed at an early stage, and successfully removed in the majority of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnostic use of FDG-PET/CT is routinely recommended for stage IIC melanoma and higher, and is widely accepted as indication. This study effectively identified otherwise undetected cancers, especially colorectal malignancies. Early interventions were possible in most cases. Incidental findings on FDG-PET/CT should be worked up with appropriate diagnostic measures, considering the patient's condition and wishes.
authors: Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors: Franziska
authors: F
authors: Conrad
authors: Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Winkens
authors: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera GmbH, Gera, Germany.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Kaatz
authors: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Goetze
authors: Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Freesmeyer
mesh_terms: D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18