Positron emission tomography detection of breast cancer metastasis to the uterus

BACKGROUND: We report the case of a patient presenting with moderate elevation of the tumor marker cancer antigen 15.3 during breast cancer follow-up. CASE: After a negative standard metastatic work-up, a positron emission tomography scan identified a localized central pelvic zone of uptake. Hysterectomy was performed, and pathology revealed a breast cancer metastasis within a previously known uterine leiomyoma. Positron emission tomography allowed assessment of soft tissues. CONCLUSION: With high sensitivity and specificity, positron emission tomography can be used to localize breast cancer metastases suspected by the presence of elevated serum tumor marker but not detected on standard metastatic workup. (C) 2002 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.