Unveiling diagnostic potential: FDG PET/CT in mucosal melanoma - An institutional perspect

Mucosal malignant melanoma (MMM) is a rare but aggressive form of melanoma that arises from mucosal surfaces, such as the oral cavity, anorectum and other regions. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT provide a whole-body view allows for the detection of distant metastatic disease, which is often missed by conventional imaging techniques like CT or MRI. We present the study evaluating the role of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the staging and management of mucosal melanoma, based on data from 10 patients collected over three years. The study demonstrates the value of FDG PET/CT in improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic decisions in mucosal melanoma. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT plays a crucial role in the accurate staging and management of mucosal melanoma, as it was instrumental in detecting occult metastases and upstaging disease in a significant proportion of patients. These findings highlight the importance of FDG PET/CT in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with mucosal melanoma