Table 2.

Summary of evidence-based suggestions for further evaluation of incidental FDG uptake in the thorax^a

Site of focal uptake	Evidence/when to further evaluate	Recommended form of evaluation
Breast	All foci	Referral to the breast team
Lung	Incidental foci without a CT correlate can be assumed to be a microembolus of FDG33	No follow up required
CT nodules demonstrating increased FDG uptake have a higher risk of malignancy37	Refer to lung MDT/lung cancer specialist or follow up with CT depending on the risk of malignancy
Oesophagus and GOJ	Foci with the following characteristics are associated with malignancy: increased focality, eccentricity43 and increased intensity of uptake (SUVmax > 6)42	Routinely refer foci with these characteristics for endoscopy

^aLimitations in SUV reproducibility and individual patient characteristics, particularly other life-limiting comorbidities and patient choice, should be taken into account when using this evidence.

FDG, fluorodeoxyglucose; GOJ, gastro-oesophageal junction; MDT, multidisciplinary team; SUV, standardized uptake value.