18 F-FDG-avid plantar nodules on true whole-body 18 F-FDG PET/CT in cancer patients

Plantar pain is a common problem endured by most adults at some point in their life that may result in considerable disability. Plantar fibromatosis is a locally invasive neoplasm, with the development of fibrous nodules on the plantar aspect of the feet, which can remain asymptomatic for years. 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET/CT has been more prevalent as the imaging modality of choice for cancer patients, but the imaged field of view is often from the base of the skull to the upper thighs. Therefore, the feet are typically not included in the field. However, true whole-body imaging from the top of the skull to the bottom of the feet is performed at some institutions and can provide clinically useful findings. One such finding is the presence of 18 F-FDG-avid plantar nodules. This review is intended to help clinicians become aware of these potential false-positive nodules that can affect a patient's staging and management.