[Sentinel lymph node in tumors of the larynx: technique and results].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the applicability of sentinel node biopsy in NO carcinomas of the larynx.


METHODS
We carried out a prospective study in 19 patients with carcinoma of the larynx NO. We peritumorally infiltrate with 1 mCi 99mTc-labeled nanocolloidal albumin via rigid endoscopy in general anaesthesia. Sentinel node detection is performed with a gamma sonda during lymph node detection. The histological results of the sentinel node are compared with the excised neck dissection specimen.


RESULTS
Identification of sentinel node was successful in 17 patients (89.47%). In 11 patients the sentinel node was tumor negative reflecting the correct neck lymph node status (pNO). Three patients had metastases in the sentinel node. We observed three false- negative. The sensitivity of the technique was 50% (3/6) and the negative predictive value 78.6%.


CONCLUSIONS
We think that more studies are needed to use the technique in the laryngeal cancer and that a correct selection of the patients is essential.
López Mollá
C
C
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Avenida Gaspar Aguilar, 90 46017 Valencia. celia.lopez@ono.com
Morales Suárez-Varela
M
M
Carrasco Llatas
M
M
Sopena Monforte
R
R
López Martînez
R
R
Dalmau Galofre
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*