title: Sentinel node mapping with radiotracer alone in vulvar cancer: a five year single-centre experience and literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pathologic status of lymph node represents the most important prognostic factor in vulvar cancer patients, but a complete groin dissection is associated with high post-operative morbidity. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) could be representative of the totality of regional lymph nodes and consequently its biopsy might have a significant impact on clinical management in vulvar cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2006 to December 2010 45 patients with vulvar carcinoma are evaluated. Preoperative lymphatic mapping with technetium-99m-labeled nanocolloid was performed in all patients, followed by radioguided intraoperative detection. The detection rate is 100% of patients. All the SLNs were dissected separately for histopathological evaluation and a routine inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine patients had positive SLNs. In the remaining 36 patients with negative SLNs, one of them showed positive non-SLNs at histological examination. It was the only false negative case in the present series.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on literature review, lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy under gamma-detecting probe guidance offer a reliable and careful method to identify sentinel node in early vulvar cancer. Taking certain guidelines, SLN biopsy seems to be a safe alternative to inguinofemoral node dissection in order to reduce morbidity of surgical treatment.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bogliolo
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Marchiole
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Sala
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Giardina
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Villa
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Fulcheri
authors: M Valenzano
authors: MV
authors: Menada
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin