Answer:
A study comparing monoclonal antibody scans and CT (British Journal of Cancer 1988; 59:600-604) demonstrated that both methods can detect approximately 80% of metastases, and other studies in the late 1980's demonstrated similar results. Monoclonal antibody scans appear to be most reliable in detecting metastatic deposits in bone, liver, and lymph nodes. A literature search of the last twenty years revealed no studies comparing gallium scans and CT for metastatic work-up of melanoma. While there are no universally accepted guidelines for metastatic evaluation of melanoma patients, many clinicians will order CXR and LFT's. CT scans of the brain, chest, and abdomen are often performed, especially in patients with nodal involvement or distant metastatic lesions.