Sentinel node detection with the blue dye technique in early cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of sentinel node detection with the blue dye technique in early cervical cancer.


METHODS
In a retrospective study conducted between January 2000 and February 2005, 47 women with early cervical cancer (6 patients FIGO Stage I A, 38 patients FIGO Stage I B, 2 patients FIGO Stage II A, 1 patient FIGO Stage II B) who underwent class II-III radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were identified. Prior to surgery 1 ml of blue dye (lymphazurin 1%) was injected into the four quadrants of the cervix.


RESULTS
The detection rate for sentinel nodes was 83% (39/47 patients). The median number of sentinel lymph nodes per patient was two. Nine patients had positive sentinel nodes. In one patient the sentinel lymph node procedure revealed to be false-negative. Positive predictive value and specificity were both 100%. The sensitivity and negative predictive value were 90% and 97%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Sentinel node detection has become a main field of interest in gynecological oncology. Our detection rate and sensitivity rate using the blue dye technique in cervical cancer are comparable to those in previously published data. However, recent data on a combined radioactively labeled albumin and blue dye technique show even more promising results. The clinical validity of the combined techniques must be evaluated prospectively in larger studies.
Schwendinger
V
V
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria.
Müller-Holzner
E
E
Zeimet
A G
AG
Marth
C
C
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018196:Carcinoma, Adenosquamous / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; C025484:iso-sulfan blue