Application of the sentinel node concept in urogenital cancer

Pre and intra-operative lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy is readily available in the armamentarium of Urologic Surgical Oncology. The concept of the SLN should be considered for diagnosis and therapy. Ongoing studies are investigating the impact of SLN biopsy on survival as well as the prognostic significance of micro-metastasis founded by histopathology and immunohistological techniques. The concept is simple, the operatory technique is easy, and the blue dye and radioactive agents are available anywhere. The validation in penile carcinoma has demonstrated, based on experience, that metastasis does not occur in other lymph nodes if the SLN is free of metastasis. Its applicability in other areas of urology is still awaiting the enthusiasm of investigators.