Hanyang Med Rev.  2007 Nov;27(4):43-51.

The Role of fluorodeoxyglucose PET in the management of breast cancer

• Lee WH
• Yoo IR

Abstract

In breast cancer, FDG PET is more accurate than conventional imaging methods for detecting distant metastases or local recurrences, and enables early ssessment of treatment response in patients undergoing primary chemotherapy. Though FDG PET has limited sensitivity in detecting tumor of small size, well differentiated tumor or lobar carcinoma, and regional lymph node metastasis, FDG PET is useful in cases with obscure MR images and axillary lymph node metastasis in locally advanced breast cancer. To minimize the side effects and cost of chemotherapy, imaging methods are required to monitor theresponse to chemotherapy, early and accurately. FDG PET is the appropriate method for this purpose. We reviewed the role of FDG-PET in diagnosis and initial staging of breast cancer, monitoring response to chemotherapy, and identifying metastatic and recurrent disease.

Keyword

FDG PET; breast cancer; staging; recurrence; monitoring of response

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Diagnosis
Drug Therapy
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis
Recurrence