F-18-FDG PET/CT Findings in a Breast Cancer Patient with Concomitant Tuberculous Axillary Lymphadenitis

Abstract

Although F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a sensitive modality for detecting a malignant lesion, increased F-18-FDG uptake is also seen in infected or inflammatory processes. Here, we report the case of a breast cancer patient with concomitant tuberculous axillary lymphadenitis that showed increased F-18-FDG uptake. A 39-year-old woman underwent preoperative F-18-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) as a part of the work-up for right breast cancer. F-18-FDG PET/CT images showed a malignant lesion in the right breast with moderate F-18-FDG uptake, and multiple enlarged right axillary lymph nodes with intense F-18-FDG uptake. Subsequently, the patient underwent right mastectomy and right axillary lymph node dissection. Histopathological examination confirmed breast cancer and tuberculous lymphadenitis, and the patient was treated concomitantly with anti-tuberculous therapy.