The contribution of 18F-FDG PET/CT in a patient with cutaneous metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis

A 61-year-old patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP) and treated with partial penectomy (pT1,N0,M0,G2). Seven months later, a palpable adenopathy was found in the left inguinal region. An 18F-FDG PET/CT exploration showed hypermetabolic lymphadenopathies in inguinal, pelvic, retroperitoneal regions, in both lung hila and in the left supraclavicular regions. At the end of the 4th cycle of chemotherapy (cisplatin + 5FU) the patient developed numerous skin metastases at the root of the left thigh and a pleural effusion in the right lung. In a new exploration with 18F-FDG PET/CT the number, size and metabolic activity of known lymphadenopathies decreased. Right pleural carcinomatosis and intense FDG uptake in cutaneous metastases were observed. Weeks later, the patient died. 18F-FDG-PET/TC may be useful in patients with SCCP and metastatic inguinal lymphadenopathies, to assess the response to chemotherapy and to detect other unsuspected metastases in the rare cases of cutaneous metastases.