Clinical value of ultrasound, PET/CT and their combined detection in lymph node metastasis of malignant melanoma

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the accuracy of ultrasound，positron emission tomography/computed tomography（PET/CT） and their combined detection in the evaluation of lymph node metastasis of malignant melanoma（MM），and to guide the preoperative evaluation of lymph node biopsy and dissection in patients with MM.Methods The clinical data of 41 hospitalized patients with MM were collected. Preoperative lymph node imaging data，postoperative lymph node pathological results and the correlation between pathological results and imaging results were analyzed.Results The sensitivity of ultrasound，PET/CT and their combined detection were 47.36%，73.68%，and 78.95%，the specificity were 59.09%， 86.36%，and 50.00%，the accuracy were 53.66%，80.49%，and 63.41%，the positive predictive value were 50.00%，82.35%，and 57.69%，the negative predictive value were 56.52%，79.17%，and 73.33%，and the correct index were 6.45%，60.04%，and 28.95%.Conclusion PET/CT is of great value in assessing preoperative lymph node metastasis of MM，and its degree of accuracy，specificity， positive predictive value，and negative predictive value are higher than those of ultrasound and the joint detection. When the PET/CT examination lymph node metastasis is negative，we should combine with ultrasound to make the joint comprehensive judgment，thereby avoiding missed diagnosis of lymph node metastasis，and improving the detection rate of lymph node metastasis. Early diagnosis and early treatment of MM patients can obtain the best therapeutic effect. Although imaging cannot be used as the diagnostic criteria and final basis，it can guide clinical evaluation before lymph node biopsy surgery to reduce missed diagnosis.