Vulva lesions as characterized by F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Aim: Vulva malignancy (primary or metastatic lesions) has significant FDG accumulation according to previous literature. The aim of this study is to analyze the metabolic imaging characteristics of apparently malignant vulva lesions determined by Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET-CT). Materials and Methods: 27 female patients (mean: 56 years) with suspicious vulva lesions were retrospectively analyzed. The F-18 FDG PET- CT characteristics of the lesions, the first diagnosis of the patients and other metastatic sites were recorded and compared with pathology and or follow up and pelvic examination results. Results: The SUVmax levels of the true positive results (primary vulva lesions (n=4), metastatic lesions (n=5), local invasion (n=2), sarcoma (n=2), lymphoma (n=1)) was 19,35 and false positive results was 14,48. The accuracy of the F-18 FDG PET-CT in estimation of the vulva lesions was 48%. Conclusion: There are several false positive causes in the diagnosis of vulva lesions on F-18 FDG PET-CT and this issue should be considered but pelvic examination is necessary in case of increased metabolic activity in a vulva lesion.