Peritoneal recurrence of colon cancer detected by positron emission tomography: Report of a case

Increased glucose metabolism has been reported to occur in association with colorectal cancer. As positron emission tomography (PET) using [F-18] fluo rodeoxyglucose is able to depict hypermetabolic sites, it can therefore be used to detect colorectal cancer. A 69-year-old male patient with a recurre nt solitary liver metastasis from colon cancer underwent whole-body PET whi ch revealed high [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the lesion. Furthermore , PET revealed peritoneal metastases that had not been detected by conventi onal imaging methods. Consequently, PET proved useful in helping us to avoi d performing unnecessary treatment for the liver metastasis. Although it is uncertain whether early identification of recurrence can prolong survival, it may help to prevent unnecessary treatments being carried out. Thus, the application of PET in carefully selected patients could be beneficial to t he management of recurrent colorectal canter.