C Haane1, M Colombo-Benkmann. 1. Klinik für Allgemein-und Viszeralchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Deutschland, Christina.Haane@ukmuenster.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The early detection of recurrent thyroid cancer and focussed surgery are essential for patients' prognosis. Using I-131 whole body scintigraphy is often not sufficient to detect recurrent carcinoma making other imaging methods necessary to identify the tumor. Recent studies showed that positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is able to identify recurrent carcinoma and metastasis at an early stage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was an evaluation of the impact of PET/CT on diagnostic and operation strategies in recurrent thyroid cancer. METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out combined with a case report from the daily practice. Furthermore, flow charts were created to clarify the aftercare procedure. RESULTS: In patients with recurrent thyroid cancer PET/CT significantly increased the identification of recurrent tumors and metastases. Depending on the subtype of cancer, different tracers are used. The use of a metabolically active tracer which shows the increase of tumor metabolism and the morphological correlation of the tumor using a CT scan enable preoperative planning for a focussed surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: The PET/CT procedure should be an integral part of the aftercare procedure in thyroid cancer for early identification of recurrent tumors and to enable focussed surgery.
BACKGROUND: The early detection of recurrent thyroid cancer and focussed surgery are essential for patients' prognosis. Using I-131 whole body scintigraphy is often not sufficient to detect recurrent carcinoma making other imaging methods necessary to identify the tumor. Recent studies showed that positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is able to identify recurrent carcinoma and metastasis at an early stage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was an evaluation of the impact of PET/CT on diagnostic and operation strategies in recurrent thyroid cancer. METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out combined with a case report from the daily practice. Furthermore, flow charts were created to clarify the aftercare procedure. RESULTS: In patients with recurrent thyroid cancer PET/CT significantly increased the identification of recurrent tumors and metastases. Depending on the subtype of cancer, different tracers are used. The use of a metabolically active tracer which shows the increase of tumor metabolism and the morphological correlation of the tumor using a CT scan enable preoperative planning for a focussed surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: The PET/CT procedure should be an integral part of the aftercare procedure in thyroid cancer for early identification of recurrent tumors and to enable focussed surgery.
Authors: M Dietlein; J Dressler; W Eschner; F Grünwald; M Lassmann; B Leisner; M Luster; E Moser; Chr Reiners; H Schicha; O Schober Journal: Nuklearmedizin Date: 2007 Impact factor: 1.379