Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To perform comparative analysis of CT scan and PET scan in imaging of metastatic melanoma. Methods: Cases with the diagnosis of primary melanoma (cutaneous, uveal, and mucosal) who underwent imaging with CT scan and PET scan to exclude metastatic disease at a referral cancer center. CT scan and PET scan images were reviewed and a comparative analysis performed. Results: Of the 60 cases with primary melanoma (cutaneous = 38, uveal =13, and mucosal = 9), whole body CT scan was performed in 58 cases and PET scan in 34 cases. The preferred initial modality for imaging was CT scan (83%) as compared to PET scan (21%). Both CT scan and PET scan were done on 34 patients. The detection rate for metastasis was higher with CT scan (80%) as compared to PET scan (71%). In 6 cases, CT scan was negative for metastasis whereas a subsequent PET scan was abnormal. In 9 cases, PET scan was negative and the CT scan was positive. In the remaining 18 cases CT scan and PET scan findings could be correlated (Table). The cases selectively detected by PET scan had predominant lymph node involvement whereas those detected by CT scan had predominant liver involvement. Conclusions: Metastatic melanoma to liver is more likely to be detected by CT scan than by a PET scan. Our findings, if confirmed by a larger study, has implications for recommending appropriate screening protocols in patients with primary uveal melanoma who have predilection for liver metastasis.
Keywords: melanoma • oncology • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, S