PET-CT in Clinical Adult Oncology-VI. Primary Cutaneous Cancer, Sarcomas and Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Abstract

Simple SummaryPositron emission tomography (PET), typically combined with computed tomography (CT), has become a critical advanced imaging technique in oncology. With PET-CT, a radioactive molecule (radiotracer) is injected into the bloodstream and localizes to tumor sites because of specific cellular features of the tumor that accumulate the targeting radiotracer. The CT scan is performed at the same time, facilitating better visualization of radioactivity from deep or dense structures and providing detailed anatomic information. PET-CT has a variety of applications in oncology, including staging, therapeutic response assessment, restaging and surveillance. This series of six articles provides an overview of the value, applications, imaging and interpretive strategies of PET-CT in the more common adult malignancies. In the current and sixth report in this series, the application of PET-CT is reviewed for more aggressive skin cancers, sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors.PET-CT is an advanced imaging modality with many oncologic applications, including staging, therapeutic assessment, restaging and surveillance for recurrence. The goal of this series of six review articles is to provide practical information to providers and imaging professionals regarding the best use of PET-CT for specific oncologic indications, the potential pitfalls and nuances that characterize these applications, and guidelines for image interpretation. Tumor-specific clinical information and representative PET-CT images are provided. The current, sixth article in this series addresses PET-CT in an evaluation of aggressive cutaneous malignancies, sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors. A discussion of the role of FDG PET for all types of tumors in these categories is beyond the scope of this review. Rather, this article focuses on the most common malignancies in adult patients encountered in clinical practice. It also focuses on Food and Drug Agency (FDA)-approved and clinically available radiopharmaceuticals rather than research tracers or those requiring a local cyclotron. This information will serve as a guide to primary providers for the appropriate role of PET-CT in managing patients with cutaneous malignancies, sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors. The nuances of PET-CT interpretation as a practical guide for imaging providers, including radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and their trainees, are also addressed.