Two cases of gastric cancer as detected by positron emission tomography during a medical checkup

Positron emission tomography using 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-RET) has been used to detect malignancies associated with certain kinds of tumors. Data regarding the use of PDG-PET scan for evaluating gastric cancer are scarce. We herein report two cases of gastric cancer, which were detected by FDG-PET. Neither patient had any complaints and a FDG-PET examination was performed as a routine medical checkup. The first patient was a 65-year-old male. A high accumulation of FDG was observed in the gastric wall and the peripheral gastric wall. We defined gastric cancer based on an endoscopic examination and a histological examination. A total gastrectomy was performed and a histological examination showed the tumor invading proper muscular with lymph node metastasis. The second patient was a 62-year-old male. A high accumulation of FDG was observed in the gastric wall. An endoscopic examination and histological examination showed gastric cancer in the middle part of the stomach. A distal gastrectomy was performed and a histological examination showed a tumor invading the submucosal layer without any lymph node metastasis. An evaluation of tumor locality using FDG-PET, the existence of tumor and lymph node metastasis, was compatible with the final pathological findings. (author)