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Is the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Safe and Accurate After Previous Surgery for Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma? A Systematic Review

  • 0Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
Cancers +

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February 26, 2025

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February 26, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a safe and accurate alternative to lymphadenectomy for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). This method is effective even for patients with recurrent VSCC, offering a viable option when lymphadenectomy is not feasible.

Area Of Science

  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Oncology

Background

  • Lymphadenectomy for vulvar carcinoma is associated with significant complications.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as a diagnostic alternative for early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC).

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the feasibility, safety, accuracy, and oncological outcomes of SLNB after scar injection for VSCC.
  • To evaluate the utility of repeat sentinel node procedures in patients with local vulvar recurrence.

Main Methods

  • Systematic literature search conducted in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library) from 2010 to August 2024.
  • Inclusion of English-language scientific publications only.
  • Risk of bias assessment performed on included studies.

Main Results

  • Five studies (four retrospective, one prospective) were included, reporting on patient characteristics, surgical details, morbidities, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, SLN detection, and oncological outcomes.
  • Four studies compared scar-injection SLNB with tumor-injection SLNB.
  • One study evaluated repeat SLNB for vulvar recurrence versus primary SLNB.

Conclusions

  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a feasible and safe procedure for VSCC, including in patients with prior vulvar tumor excision.
  • SLNB accurately determines nodal status in patients with VSCC who cannot or will not undergo lymphadenectomy.
  • Repeat SLNB is a viable option for patients experiencing local vulvar recurrence.

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