Positron Emission Tomography Scan Reveals an Unusual Source for Cervical Lymphadenopathy: Right Colon Cancer
2011
Unusual Cause of Neck Swelling: Right Colon Cancer
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Silvia Casagranda, Biagio Piccinni, Giuseppe de Manzini
Primary Institution: Department of Surgery, University of Trieste and Cattinara Hospital
Hypothesis
Can FDG-PET effectively identify the primary site of cervical lymphadenopathy of unknown origin?
Conclusion
FDG-PET is a fast and reliable tool for diagnosing the primary site of cervical masses when the origin is unknown.
Supporting Evidence
- FDG-PET can detect the primary site in about 25% of cases of cancer of unknown primary.
- Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in developed countries.
- Symptoms of right colon cancer include anemia, asthenia, and abdominal pain.
Takeaway
A woman had a lump in her neck, and doctors used a special scan to find out it was caused by cancer in her colon, not her thyroid.
Methodology
The patient underwent ultrasonography, biopsy, FDG-PET, and colonoscopy.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
64-year-old female
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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