Sentinel Lymph Nodes and Precision Surgery in Gynecologic Cancer

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;63(1):12-23. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000517.

Abstract

Besides histologic features, the presence of nodal metastasis is the most crucial prognostic factor for recurrence and survival for patients with gynecologic cancer. Conventionally, lymphadenectomy has been performed routinely to assess lymphatic metastasis. However, lymphadenectomy may be unnecessary in early-stage gynecologic cancer, because the percentage of patients with lymph node involvement is very low. The recent use of sentinel lymph node mapping has provided high feasibility, safety, and accuracy in the assessment of nodal metastasis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines have incorporated the sentinel lymph node for nodal evaluation in vulvar, endometrial, and cervical cancers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision / adverse effects
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / therapy*