Follicular Hyperplasia: A Potential False-Positive Finding on PET/CT Imaging in the Evaluation of Lymphoma

PET/CT is a widely accepted imaging modality in the diagnosis and staging of lymphoma because of the increased FDG uptake commonly detected in malignant lesions. However, various causes of false-positive FDG localization have been described, including in nonmalignant lymph nodes. We report a patient with a history of Hodgkin lymphoma who presented with bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy, which was intensely FDG-avid on PET/CT imaging. Biopsy of lymph nodes from both axillae revealed benign follicular hyperplasia. Follicular hyperplasia is a potential false-positive finding on PET/CT imaging, and obtaining pathologic confirmation of malignancy should be considered before treatment.