Breast Cancer in the PET/CT Era: A New Paradigm in Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment Strategy
Breast Cancer in the PET/CT Era: A New Paradigm in Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment Strategy Introduction Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. As our understanding of its biological heterogeneity improves, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach has become increasingly nuanced. Among the revolutionary tools transforming clinical practice is FDG-PET/CT , a modality now widely used for staging, evaluating treatment response, and prognostication. In this article, we explore the complete clinical spectrum of breast cancer — from its etiology and pathophysiology to imaging interpretation and treatment — through the lens of a high-risk clinical case involving FDG-PET/CT. Designed for both medical professionals and an informed general audience, this piece also includes diagnostic quizzes, expert insights, and references to top-tier peer-reviewed literature. Etiology and Risk Factor...