INTRODUCTION: In patients with a previous history of malignancy, the occurrence of a mediastinal mass with significant uptake of 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose on a PET-scan may lead to biopsy or resection. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a posterior mediastinal mass, with significant uptake of 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose on PET- scan, in a patient with a previous history of testicular seminoma. The lesion was actually a benign schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a mediastinal mass with conventional imaging being in favour of a neurogenic tumour a PET scan cannot confirm benignity or malignancy.
INTRODUCTION: In patients with a previous history of malignancy, the occurrence of a mediastinal mass with significant uptake of 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose on a PET-scan may lead to biopsy or resection. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a posterior mediastinal mass, with significant uptake of 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose on PET- scan, in a patient with a previous history of testicular seminoma. The lesion was actually a benign schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a mediastinal mass with conventional imaging being in favour of a neurogenic tumour a PET scan cannot confirm benignity or malignancy.
Authors: Francisco Rivas; Anna Ureña; Ivan Macia; Gabriela Rosado; Juliet Toñanez; Rosa Penin; Ricard Ramos Journal: Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Date: 2011-12-16