Role of PET CT in the detection of second synchronous primary tumors and distant metastasis in head and neck cancers at initial presentation

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The patients with the head and neck cancer are strongly at risk of developing a second primary tumor which can be related to share etiological factors such as tobacco, alcohol and smoking. The aim of the study is to evaluate the percentage of synchronous second primaries and distant metastasis that are identified on PET CT imaging in head and neck cancer patients at initial presentation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study is a retrospective observational study. A total of 503 patients with histological confirmation of head and neck cancer and who had undergone 18F FDG PET CT imaging from 2007 to 2013 were included in the study. The PET CT scan images of all 503 patients were reviewed. The patients with PET CT scan images indicating the presence of abnormal metabolic uptake suggestive of additional primary malignant lesion or distant metastasis were identified. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of the total 503 patients with histological confirmation of head and neck cancer, 34 patients were excluded due to non-availability of complete details, among the 469 patients of head and neck cancer, 7 patients (1.49%) were diagnosed with synchronous primary tumors and 33 patients (7.03%) were diagnosed with distant metastasis in PET CT imaging at the time of initial presentation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> PET CT imaging is a useful tool to detect distant metastasis and second primary synchronous tumors in advanced head and neck cancers. The incidence of distant metastasis is a much more valid indication for the PET CT imaging in advanced head and neck cancers.</p>