Fat-containing hypermetabolic masses on FDG PET/CT: A spectrum of benign and malignant conditions

Objective. This article focuses on identifying the imaging appearances of hypermetabolic fatty masses and masslike lesions on PET/CT and understanding the diagnostic challenges radiologists may face while interpreting fndings of these lesions on PET/CT. This article provides an approach to aid in the diagnosis of these lesions and the appropriate management of patients. CONCLUSION. Both malignant and benign fat-containing masses and masslike lesions can show hypermetabolic activity on PET/CT. Although the differential diagnosis is broad, clinical history, anatomic location, and knowledge of anatomic variants and imaging features can help radiologists avoid misinterpretation of benign fatty lesions as malignancy.