PET–BT incelenmesi yapılan melanom hastalarının retrospektif analizi

Background and Design: The incidence of melanoma is increasing significantly in Turkey as it is in the whole world. Thus, Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), which is being reimbursed by the government for the documentation of metastases of clinically suspicious patients with stages 1 b and higher, is becoming widely used. This study aims to analyze, the histopathological features of the tumors and the clinical and demographical data of the melanoma patients whom of which had PET-CT examination for the screening of metastases. Material and Methods: Study collected data of 57 melanoma patients who have underwent PET-CT evaluation in the Nuclear Department Unit, between the years of 2004-2011. On the basis of PET-CT positivity, SUV(Standard uptake value), demographical data, Breslow thickness, localization of the primary tumor, the presence of histopathologically documented ulceration, perineural, vascular and lymphatic invasion, metastases detected by other screening methods and the proposed treatment methods have been retrospectively analyzed. Results: Data collected showed PET-CT positivity in 22(39%) patients. The mean Breslow thickness was 5.12±6.29mm. Accordingly, n: 1(%7), with ≤1mm, n: 5(36%) with 2-4mm and n: 8(57%) with >4mm of Breslow thickness, had distant metastases. Statistically significant correlation was found between Breslow thickness and PET-CT positivity. The distribution of the primary tumor site was 35,3% left-sided, 25,5% right-sided and 39,2% on the midline. All patients with scalp involvement had distant metastases. No statistically significant correlation was found between PET-CT positivity and histopathologically proven ulceration, perineural, vascular and lymphatic invasion respectively. Thirty one percent positive correlation was found between Breslow thickness and SUV. Forty-five percent of PET-CT positive patients also had their metastases documented with other screening methods. All but 2 patients with distant metastases had wide tumor resection and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy.Conclusion: Complementing PET-CT to conventional imaging methods, gains much importance in the treatment planning of some selected high risk melanoma patients