Related Experiment Videos
Scalene lymph node sampling in cervical carcinoma: a reappraisal
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
Gynecologic Oncology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Scalene lymph node sampling can detect hidden metastases in cervical cancer patients with paraaortic lymph node involvement. This procedure is safe and valuable for pretreatment evaluation, particularly before extended-field radiation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Scalene lymph node sampling is used to detect occult metastases in cervical carcinoma.
- Its clinical utility has shown variable results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility and safety of scalene lymph node sampling in patients with cervical carcinoma and confirmed paraaortic lymph node metastases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 patients with clinical stage IB-IIIB cervical carcinoma.
- Patients had paraaortic lymph node metastases, negative chest X-rays, and no clinical evidence of scalene/supraclavicular metastases.
- Scalene lymph node sampling was performed for microscopic examination.
Main Results:
- Scalene lymph node metastases were found in 4 out of 17 patients (23.5%).
- No serious complications were reported from the surgical procedure.
- The findings indicate a significant rate of occult metastases in this patient group.
Conclusions:
- Scalene lymph node sampling is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying occult metastases in cervical cancer.
- It should be considered in the pretreatment evaluation of patients with paraaortic lymph node metastases, especially if extended-field radiation is planned.