Positron emission tomography for the evaluation of metastases in patients with carcinoma of the cervix: A retrospective review

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the usefullness of 18-fluor odeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) scanning for the evaluatio n of metastases (nodal and distant) in patients with carcinoma of the cervi x. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of 13 patients with carcinoma of the cervix who had a 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan as part of their wo rkup (10 during initial workup, 3 at time of relapse). Ten patients also un derwent a fine needle aspiration (FNA) under imaging guidance for verificat ion. Results. All 10 patients with positive sites identified by PET scan who und erwent an FNA were positive for cancer. In 3 situations PET identified site s where other imaging studies were negative. Conclusions. PET scanning is a useful imaging tool in the evaluation of pat ients with carcinoma of the cervix. This review supports other limited publ ished data in this regard and suggests that further prospective studies are needed. (C) 2001 Academic Press.