The false assumption of lung cancer based upon a positive positron emission tomographic scan

Abstract

Objective: To show that positron emission tomography (PET) can have false positive results from inflammatory lesions. Methods: We present a complicated, elderly patient who underwent an extensive work-up that failed to provide a diagnosis for a radiographic abnormality. Results: A PET scan was positive and the patient was believed to have lung carcinoma until eventual surgical excision was performed. Final pathology revealed that the patient had exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Conclusions: PET scans that are positive cannot be assumed to show a malignancy. Inflammatory lesions will also be positive with PET scanning.