The key role of 18F-FDG PET/CT for correct diagnosis, staging, and treatment in a patient with simultaneous NPC and TB lymphadenitis: case report

Tumori. 2016 Nov 11;102(Suppl. 2). doi: 10.5301/tj.5000432.

Abstract

Aims and background: The coexistence of tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck region and head and neck cancer is extremely rare. In this clinical situation, the use of positron emission and computed tomography using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) may facilitate the differentiation between malignancy and tuberculosis.

Case report: We present a case of an Eastern European man with nasopharyngeal cancer and concurrent tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Results and conclusion: The adequate and critical interpretation of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scan addressed the multidisciplinary team to the proper staging of disease and to the correct therapeutic approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy
  • Male
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18