FDG PET in the management of lung cancer

We describe a patient with newly diagnosed limy cancer. Staging was performed with CT and mediastinoscopy. FDG PET scan was performed and confirmed increased metabolic activity in the primary tumor as well as the hilar lymph node. Seven months after initial presentation, the patient was found to have two lytic lesions in the pelvis on plain radiograph. Hone scan was negative but PET demonstrated FOG uptake in one lesion. The possible utility of whole body FDG PET in detecting osseous metastasis is discussed. The state-of-the-art of staging lung cancer is also reviewed.