The key role of 18F-FDG PET/CT for correct diagnosis, staging, and treatment in a patient with simultaneous NPC and TB lymphadenitis: case report.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The coexistence of tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck region and head and neck cancer is extremely rare. In this clinical situation, the use of positron emission and computed tomography using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) may facilitate the differentiation between malignancy and tuberculosis. CASE REPORT: We present a case of an Eastern European man with nasopharyngeal cancer and concurrent tuberculous lymphadenitis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The adequate and critical interpretation of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scan addressed the multidisciplinary team to the proper staging of disease and to the correct therapeutic approach.