Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and accurate staging is crucial for guiding appropriate therapy. Conventional imaging often fails to provide complete information regarding locoregional and distant disease. 18Ffluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) offers a whole‐body metabolic and anatomical assessment in a single study.To evaluate the role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in the assessment and staging of breast carcinoma and to correlate metabolic activity with histopathological features.This hospitalbased observational study included 40 histopathologically proven breast carcinoma patients who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT over an 8‐month period. PET/CT findings were analyzed for detection of primary lesions, regional lymph node involvement, and distant metastases. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured and correlated with tumor grade and receptor status. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods.18F‐FDG PET/CT identified the primary breast lesion in 95% of patients, axillary nodal involvement in 75%, and distant metastases in 30%. PET/CT detected additional lesions not visualized on conventional imaging in 10% of cases, leading to upstaging in several patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between SUVmax and histological grade (p = 0.002).18F‐FDG PET/CT is a highly sensitive and comprehensive imaging modality for evaluating breast carcinoma. It improves staging accuracy, detects unsuspected metastases, and provides valuable prognostic information through metabolic quantification.
How to cite this article:
C. Sylviya, Sathish Babu and Vinod Sukumaran. Role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in the Evaluation and Staging of Breast Carcinoma in a tertiary care centre.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.398.402
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.398.402