Detection of recurrent cervical cancer by whole-body FDG PET scan in asymptomatic and symptomatic women

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of whole-body (18)F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan to detect recurrent cervical carcinoma in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 44 women previously treated for cervical cancer who underwent 47 posttreatment whole-body FDG PET scans in an attempt to detect recurrent disease. Twenty-six scans were performed in asymptomatic women, whereas 21 scans were performed in women with symptoms suggestive of recurrence. RESULTS: About 30.8% of asymptomatic women had recurrent disease detected by PET scan compared to 66.7% of women in the symptomatic group. The sensitivity of PET scan for recurrent disease in asymptomatic women was 80.0%, specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 88.9%. For symptomatic women, the sensitivity of PET was 100%, specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 93.3%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The whole-body FDG PET scan is a sensitive imaging modality for the detection of recurrent cervical carcinoma in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women.