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Quantitation of Intra-peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Published on: July 18, 2016
Ovarian cancer: lymph node metastases.
G Balbi1, M A Manganaro, A Monteverde
1Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second University of Study of Naples, Naples, Italy. giancarlo.balbi@unina2.it
European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Ovarian cancer frequently involves both pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes. Bilateral lymphadenectomy is crucial for accurate staging and treating micrometastases in epithelial ovarian cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) staging relies on accurate assessment of lymph node metastasis.
- Understanding the patterns of nodal spread is critical for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of pelvic and paraaortic lymph node involvement in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 patients with FIGO Stages II-IV EOC underwent systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy between 1995 and 2006.
- Surgical specimens were analyzed for nodal metastases.
Main Results:
- Paraaortic lymph node metastases were found in 75% of patients, and pelvic nodal metastases in 70%.
- Isolated paraaortic involvement occurred in 20%, while isolated pelvic involvement was seen in 15%.
- Common sites for metastases included paracaval (56%), external iliac (60%), and obturator (55%) lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- Nodal involvement is a significant factor in epithelial ovarian cancer, with a high incidence of both pelvic and paraaortic metastases.
- Bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy is essential for precise staging and treatment of micrometastases, even in cases of unilateral tumors.
