Medicinski Podmladak (Jan 2019)
The role of 18FDG PET/CT in evaluation of unknown primary tumors
Abstract
Introduction: an unknown primary tumor (UPT) is defined as a biopsy-proven malignancy whose anatomic origin remains unidentified after diagnostic evaluation. The estimated incidence of unknown primary tumors is 2-7% of all malignancies. Aim: the aim of this study was to determine the role of 18FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of primary tumor and its influence on therapeutic management. Material and methods: This retrospective study included 56 patients, which were examined in the PET center of Center for Nuclear Medicine (Clinical Center of Serbia), from May 2011 until September 2017. Examinations using 18FDG on PET/CT system were done on all patients using a 64 slice Biograph True 64 PET/CT hybrid imaging system (Siemens Medical Solutions, USA). Image acquisition was done at least 60 minutes after applying the radiop-harmaceutical (18 FDG), which have been applied after proper preparation of each patient. Results: the primary site of tumor was found in 23 (41%) patients, which is a statistically significant value 23/56, χ 2 1.78, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Considering the acquired results, 18FDG PET/CT represents a significant advancement when it comes to non-invasive diagnostics of UPT.
