CT and PET scans in lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphoma
When CT is enough and when FDG PET/CT is needed, size thresholds for nodes and spleen, FDG avidity by lymphoma type, the Deauville scale and Lugano response, MBS PET items, and the false positives that mislead.
Tier 2Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- CT shows anatomy and size. FDG PET/CT adds metabolism and is the staging and response scan for FDG-avid lymphoma (Lugano 2014).
- For unexplained lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly, CT finds the best node to biopsy and looks for other disease. Tissue makes the diagnosis, not the scan.
- Response on PET uses the Deauville 5-point scale. Under Lugano, scores 1 to 3 are complete metabolic response.
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Sources
- Recommendations for initial evaluation, staging, and response assessment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the Lugano classificationCheson BD et al., J Clin Oncol 2014;32:3059-68, 2014
- Role of imaging in the staging and response assessment of lymphoma: consensus of the International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas Imaging Working GroupBarrington SF et al., J Clin Oncol 2014;32:3048-58, 2014
- Medicare Benefits Schedule items 61620, 61622, 61628 and 61632 (FDG PET for lymphoma)AU/NZAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, MBS Online, November 2026
- Refinement of the Lugano classification lymphoma response criteria in the era of immunomodulatory therapy (LYRIC)Cheson BD et al., Blood 2016;128:2489-96, 2016
- Large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL): EHA Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-upThieblemont C et al., European Hematology Association, HemaSphere 2025, 2025
- iwCLL guidelines for diagnosis, indications for treatment, response assessment, and supportive management of CLLHallek M et al., Blood 2018;131:2745-60, 2018
- Optimal care pathway for people with Hodgkin and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, 2nd editionAU/NZCancer Council Australia
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
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