Utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography for nodal staging of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

PurposeCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) behaves aggressively in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Lymphadenopathy due to CLL can obscure the clinical and radiological assessment of nodal involvement by cSCC. This study aimed to evaluate whether functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) may clarify the clinical picture.MethodsFive consecutive patients with cSCC and CLL who had a PET/CT scan for the purposes of cSCC staging between July 2000 and July 2010 were analyzed. PET/CT findings were compared to histopathology from subsequent neck dissection.ResultsPET/CT can distinguish nodal cSCC from leukemic infiltration with high specificity, allowing prompt appropriate management of nodal disease.ConclusionsPET/CT is a promising modality for nodal staging in patients with cSCC and CLL, with the potential to improve outcomes in this poor prognosis group. Larger confirmatory studies are needed.