The role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the evaluation of malignant mesothelioma

Background Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG–PET/CT) play an important role in the diagnostic workup of patients with malignant mesothelioma. Applications for FDG–PET/CT at this time help in differentiation between malignant and benign pleural lesions, staging, and the ability for surgical interference. Objectives The objective of this study was to review the role of PET/CT in diagnosis, staging, prognostication, and pre- and post-therapeutic response of malignant mesothelioma. Patients and methods This study was performed on 55 of known patients with malignant mesothelioma at Naser Institute (cancer center) from May 2016 to July 2020 referred for staging, pre-, and post-therapeutic response. Results The study proved that combined PET/CT was superior to CT and PET individually in diagnosis of patients with malignant mesothelioma and improves the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of local extent (T), regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastases (M), also pre- and post-therapeutic response. Conclusion The information provided by PET/CT is likely to obtain the best imaging for the diagnosis and staging in patients with malignant mesothelioma and also for monitoring tumor response to therapy.