Hamlet and radiology

Clin Imaging. 2022 Jul:87:54-55. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.04.010. Epub 2022 Apr 25.

Abstract

After I started my radiology training, searching for art in radiology became a passion for me. One of the most concrete examples of my search was a case of CT-guided biopsy we encountered recently. In a patient with metastatic cancer, we searched for the primary lesion. PET/CT showed a focus in the upper lobe of the right lung. During the CT-guided biopsy, this lesion was like a smiling face in shape. The fact that this cute-looking mass was metastatic cancer reminded me of a character from Hamlet. In William Shakespeare's famous work, Prince Hamlet refers to Claudius as a 'smiling villain' and draws attention to the evil behind his smile. In this article, we discuss the similarity of our daily practice with Hamlet through a case.

Keywords: Art; Cavitation; Hamlet; Lung adenocarcinoma; Shakespeare.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Drama* / history
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Radiology*