ALEV ÇINAR, SEMRA İNCE, ÜLKÜ NUR GÖKER
The European Research Journal - 2022;8(3):333-339
Objectives: Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is a valuable imaging method for the restaging of malignant diseases as well as the evaluation of treatment outcomes. As melanoma lesions are mostly FDG-avid, whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT imaging modality can be used to determine the spread of the tumor. In the present study, we intended to share our clinical experience with FDG PET/CT in malignant melanoma patients under different kinds of treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, the data sets of 122 patients who had surgical resection of known primary tumors, all of which were histopathology-proven malignant melanoma, were analyzed. All patients underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT scan no sooner than 45 days and at least once after surgery. Clinical information, radiological imaging, histopathology, and treatment modalities were noted for all patients, and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were examined. Results: All patients were histopathology-proven and 47 of them had acral lentiginous, 37 nodular, 23 amelanotic, and 15 atypical malignant melanoma. Local recurrence was detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT in 13 (10.6%; 3 male, 10 female) of the 122 patients, and the mean recurrence time after diagnosis was 3 ± 1.4 years. 10 patients with brain and bone metastases underwent radiotherapy. 19 patients with lung, bone, and hepatic metastases received chemotherapy and 22 patients immunotherapy. Conclusions: Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that may involve any organ. In localized cases, complete surgical resection may be adequate for a cure. If diagnosed with the latter type, the whole body of the patient must be examined.
