Upstaging of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a child based on 67Gallium scintigraphy.
PURPOSE: To describe a patient whose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) appeared to be localized by standard modalities but who was upstaged after Gallium scintigraphy suggested disseminated disease. PATIENT AND METHODS: A patient with biopsy proven NHL in the maxillary sinus was staged as having localized disease based on computed tomography (CT) scans, bone scintigraphy, and evaluation of bone marrow and spinal fluid. Open biopsy of a bony lesion, standard modalities for lymphoma staging, and Gallium scintigraphy were obtained. RESULTS: Gallium scanning showed bony lesions not previously seen with the standard modalities. Open biopsy of one of these lesions confirmed disseminated disease. CONCLUSIONS: Gallium scanning aids in the early identification of metastases in some patients with NHL and should be included in a standard evaluation of apparently localized disease.