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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Imaging features of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma
E A Joyce1, J Kavanagh, N Sheehy
1Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. joyceea@tcd.ie
Clinical Radiology
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is an aggressive cancer rarely found outside the lungs. This review details its imaging features across various sites and discusses PET/CT staging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Small cell carcinoma (SCC) predominantly affects the lungs, comprising ~20% of lung cancers.
- Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is rare but highly aggressive, with a propensity for metastasis.
- Existing literature on EPSCC primarily focuses on clinicopathology, with limited radiological detail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and detail the imaging features of Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC).
- To cover EPSCC in its common extrathoracic origins: gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head/neck, and breast.
- To explore the utility of positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in EPSCC staging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on radiological findings of EPSCC.
- Analysis of imaging characteristics across various anatomical locations.
- Discussion of the role of advanced imaging modalities like PET/CT.
Main Results:
- EPSCC presents diverse radiological features depending on the site of origin.
- Imaging findings can aid in the early detection and diagnosis of EPSCC.
- PET/CT demonstrates value in assessing the extent and spread of EPSCC.
Conclusions:
- Radiological assessment is crucial for diagnosing and staging aggressive EPSCC.
- Understanding site-specific imaging patterns improves diagnostic accuracy.
- PET/CT is an important tool for comprehensive staging of EPSCC.
