Radionuclide scanning in patients with advanced malignant melanoma

The results of liver, bone, and brain scans in 84 patients with recurrent or metastatic malignant melanoma were reviewed. The liver scan was initially positive in 18% (14/78) and ultimately in 32% (25/78). Serum alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase were elevated in 92%. These patients ultimately developed positive liver scans, while convincing hepatomegaly was noted in only 44%. Bone scans were eventually positive in 33% (16/49), all of whom had pain. Brain scans were positive in 15% (10/65), all of whom had CNS symptoms. In asymptomatic patients, bone and brain scans only rarely disclosed occult lesions.