Potential risks in sentinel lymph node biopsy for cervical cancer: a single-institution pilot study

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a common oncological surgery technique.
• The risks associated with SLN biopsy in cervical cancer patients are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cervical cancer.
• To identify factors influencing SLN detection and metastasis in cervical cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-five cervical cancer patients underwent SLN biopsy and pelvic lymphadenectomy.
• SLNs were identified, and all resected nodes were analyzed for metastases.
• Clinicopathologic features, SLN detection rates, and metastasis distribution were assessed.

Main Results:

• SLN detection was successful in 92.0% of patients (bilateral in 33, unilateral in 36).
• Lymphovascular invasion was the sole factor negatively impacting SLN detection and increasing metastasis risk (40.9% vs 3.8%).
• Obturator nodes were most frequently involved (81.8%), with parametrial nodes also showing high positivity (36.4%).

Conclusions:

• Lymphovascular invasion significantly hinders successful SLN detection in cervical cancer.
• A high risk of undetected metastasis exists when SLNs are positive, suggesting the need for additional lymphadenectomy.