PET/CT in Esophageal Carcinoma: Applications and Limitations

Publication date: Available online 8 August 2017
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Sonia L. Betancourt Cuellar, Diana P. Palacio, Marcelo F. Benveniste, Brett W. Carter, Wayne L. Hofstetter, Edith M. Marom
Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and adenocarcinoma represent approximately 98 % of esophageal malignant tumors. During the last 30 years, the incidence of adenocarcinoma has increased in Western countries (including the USA) where adenocarcinoma currently represents more than 60% of esophageal malignancies, although, worldwide, SqCC continues to be the predominant histologic type. Integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/CT with 2-[fluorine18] fluro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is used in many institutions routinely as a tool in the initial staging and then repeated after therapy for the assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy and detection of recurrent disease in patients with esophageal carcinoma. As with any other imaging modality, FDG-PET/CT has strengths and limitations that should be understood in order to maximize its utility.



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