FDG-PET and MALT lymphoma in the parotid gland

There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to the role of positron emission tomography (PET) using 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) in the staging and management of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. We report a case of FDG avid MALT lymphoma of the parotid gland supporting the recently published series in the literature and suggest that whole body FDG-PET could be a useful technique in some patients with MALT lymphoma. Detection of FDG avid disease would spare patients several invasive investigations and reduce the radiation burden of staging. Where FDG avid disease is detected, PET could play an important role in follow up as well. A negative scan, whilst unhelpful for staging, comes at an acceptable radiation dose in the context of defining the primary disease.