ANITA-ANDREA KOVENDI

Dr. ANITA-ANDREA KOVENDI

Breast cancer

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 January 2021 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAndra Piciu
Andra Piciu
DPDoina Piciu
Doina Piciu
NPNarcis Polocoser
Narcis Polocoser
ANITA-ANDREA KOVENDIANITA-ANDREA KOVENDI
ANITA-ANDREA KOVENDI
IAIulia Almasan
Iulia Almasan
SCSimona Sorana Căinap
Simona Sorana Căinap
Introduction: F18-FDG PET/CT is the most important hybrid imaging used in the diagnostic, staging, follow-up, and treatment evaluation response in cancer patients. However, it is well-known that in breast cancer the use of F18-FDG is not included in the first line protocol of initial diagnostic, both in female and male breast cancer patients. F18-FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool to provide information on extra-axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastases, and other occult primary cancers. This study assesses F18-FDG PET/CT systemic staging in male patients with diagnosed breast cancer and determines detection rates for unsuspected distant metastases and synchronous malignancies. Methods: We analyzed a number of 170 male patients with breast cancer, seen between 2000–2020, in a tertiary center. From this group, between 2013–2020 a number of 23 patients underwent F18-FDG PET/CT. Rates of upstaging were determined for each case and the detection of other primary malignancies was analyzed. Results: Median age of male breast cancer group was 61.3 y (range, 34–85 y), most had intraductal carcinoma (82.4%) and unsuspected distant metastases, which increased patient stage to IV, observed in 27%. In 4 out 23 patients (17.4%), F18-FDG PET/CT identified synchronous cancers (2 prostate cancers, 1 thyroid and 1 colon cancer). Conclusion: F18-FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool to provide information on extra-axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastases, and other occult primary cancers. Baseline F18-FDG PET/CT has a substantial impact on the initial staging and on clinical management in male breast patients and should be considered for use in newly diagnosed patients.