Open AccessState of the Art of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Vulvar Carcinoma
Author(s) -
Jacob McGee,
Allan Covens
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.363
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1745-5065
pISSN - 1745-5057
DOI - 10.2217/whe.09.37
Subject(s) - medicine , sentinel lymph node , vulvar carcinoma , lymphadenectomy , lymphedema , surgery , biopsy , vulvar cancer , groin , stage (stratigraphy) , dissection (medical) , frozen section procedure , carcinoma , lymph node , radiology , cancer , vulva , breast cancer , paleontology , biology
Treatment for early-stage vulvar carcinoma has evolved from radical en bloc dissection to wide local incision with lymphadenectomy through separate groin incisions, to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The morbidity of SLNB is far less than traditional inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, with less lymphedema and sensory deficit, shorter hospital stays and fewer infections. A multidisciplinary approach is required, with success of the SLNB technique maximized when radiolabeled colloid is used, with blue dye added when further identification is needed. Frozen-section analysis, followed by ultrastaging of the nodal sample, minimizes the need for reoperations and decreases the risk of false negatives. We believe that SLNB will become the standard of care for treatment of early-stage vulvar carcinoma.