18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography in the diagnosis of secondary malignancies in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Introduction The incidence of a second cancer among patients who have been treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is higher than the incidence of cancer in the general population. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography / computed tomography is used in the evaluation of a number of malignancies. The aim of the article is to emphasize the importance of including a second primary cancer as a differential diagnosis among patients at risk.

Case outline We present a case of a patient diagnosed with two separate malignancies almost two decades after the treatment of HL.

Conclusion In patients previously treated for HL, a biopsy of lesions that show high 18F-FDG uptake should be advised, particularly if the location of the lesion is unusual for the primary diagnosis.

Keywords: lymphoma, Hodgkin; positron emission tomography; second primary malignancy; chemotherapy; radiation therapy