FDG PET-negative liver metastases of a malignant melanoma and FDG PET-positive Hurthle cell tumor of the thyroid

A Hurthle cell tumor (oncocytoma) of the thyroid presented as a hypermetabolic focus in a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) study which was performed as staging procedure in a patient with malignant melanoma. This finding led to the initial diagnosis of a metastasis. In contrast, multiple liver metastases, seen on MRI and sonography, did not show any increased FDG uptake. Cytology results of one liver mass confirmed a melanoma metastasis, and of the neck mass, a Hurthle cell tumor. The Hurthle cell tumor was, based on clinical evidence, thought to be benign. This is the first description of a FDG PET-positive benign Hurthle cell tumor, with FDG PET-negative liver metastases of a malignant melanoma, in the same patient.