UPSTAGING OF NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA IN A CHILD BASED ON (67)GALLIUM SCINTIGRAPHY

Purpose: To describe a patient whose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) appe ared to be localized by standard modalities but who was upstaged after Gallium scintigraphy suggested disseminated disease. Patient and Meth ods: A patient with biopsy proven NHL in the maxillary sinus was stage d as having localized disease based on computed tomography (CT) scans, bone scintigraphy, and evaluation of bone marrow and spinal fluid. Op en biopsy of a bony lesion, standard modalities for lymphoma staging, and Gallium scintigraphy were obtained. Results: Gallium scanning show ed bony lesions not previously seen with the standard modalities. Open biopsy of one of these lesions confirmed disseminated disease. Conclu sions: Gallium scanning aids in the early identification of metastases in some patients with NHL and should be included in a standard evalua tion of apparently localized disease.