False Positive Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Requiring Biopsy for Proper Staging of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in developed countries. Staging is crucial in determining the treatment modality. Different treatment modalities for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. PET/CT is the most sensitive and accurate modality for detecting hilar, mediastinal, and metastatic disease except in the brain. PET/CT scan often upstages the disease. PET/CT has also been shown to have false positive results. We present the case of a 72-year-old female who had a false positive finding on PET/CT, which would have changed the management process and outcome of her disease.