Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy Research Articles

Vulvar basal cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is the most prevalent skin cancer with favorable prognosis, and lymphatic or hematogenous metastases are quite rare. Here we report an uncommon case of vulvar BCC. A 68-year-old woman with 5-year history of an asymptomatic lump on the right side of the vulva. The patient complained of progressive itching, pain, and color changes to brown for 3 months before visiting the clinic. Excisional biopsy revealed the lesion to be a BCC. After thorough negative metastasis work up the patient underwent a bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and a wide local excision with a one-centimeter margin and final histology report confirmed the diagnosis of BCC. (HPV DNA and viral markers were negative, the bimanual exam was normal, both colposcopy and vaginoscopy were normal. There was no acetowhite lesion). To avoid delayed diagnosis, any persistent lesion even asymptomatic, in the vulvar region, especially when pigmented, irritating, or expanding in size, should be biopsied and investigated histologically, regardless of the patient's age. Any persistent lesion in the vulvar region, especially when pigmented, irritating, or expanding in size, should be biopsied and investigated histologically, regardless of the patient's age.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vulva, a rare entity. Report of the first case in Venezuela.

Vulvar cancer represents 1% of cancers in women; vulvar neuroendocrine carcinoma is extremely rare, with less than 20 published cases. Its behavior is very aggressive, producing early local recurrences, lymph node and distant metastases. The case of a 60-year-old patient who consulted for a vulvar lesion of 6 months of evolution, with extension to the lower third of the urethra and vagina and left inguinal nodal plastron is described. The vulvar biopsy reported malignant round cell neoplasm and the immunohistochemistry result was compatible with neuroendocrine carcinoma. She received concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, evidencing a complete response in the vulva and a partial response in the inguinal region.Later, bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was performed. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vulva should be considered when managing malignant vulvar pathology, timely diagnosis requires histology and immunohistochemistry to establish an adequate prognosis and treatment.

The modified 5-item frailty index is a predictor of post-operative complications in vulvar cancer: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) analysis

ObjectiveTo determine whether frailty is associated with post-operative complications following surgery for vulvar cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study used a multi-institutional dataset from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2014–2020)...

Unilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in patients with early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and a unilateral metastatic sentinel lymph node is safe

ObjectiveOptimal management of the contralateral groin in patients with early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and a metastatic unilateral inguinal sentinel lymph node (SN) is unclear. We analyzed patients who participated in GROINSS-V I or II to determine whether treatment of the contralateral groin can safely be omitted in patients with a unilateral metastatic SN. MethodsWe selected the patients with a unilateral metastatic SN from the GROINSS-V I and II databases. We determined the incidence of contralateral additional non-SN metastases in patients with unilateral SN-metastasis who underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL). In those who underwent only ipsilateral groin treatment or no further treatment, we determined the incidence of contralateral groin recurrences during follow-up. ResultsOf 1912 patients with early-stage VSCC, 366 had a unilateral metastatic SN. Subsequently, 244 had an IFL or no treatment of the contralateral groin. In seven patients (7/244; 2.9% [95% CI: 1.4%-5.8%]) disease was diagnosed in the contralateral groin: five had contralateral non-SN metastasis at IFL and two developed an isolated contralateral groin recurrence after no further treatment. Five of them had a primary tumor ≥30 mm. Bilateral radiotherapy was administered in 122 patients, of whom one (1/122; 0.8% [95% CI: 0.1%–4.5%]) had a contralateral groin recurrence. ConclusionThe risk of contralateral lymph node metastases in patients with early-stage VSCC and a unilateral metastatic SN is low. It appears safe to limit groin treatment to unilateral IFL or inguinofemoral radiotherapy in these cases.

Tumor stage-specific trends of sentinel lymph node biopsy for vulvar melanoma (406)

<b>Objectives:</b> Vulvar melanoma is a rare and understudied malignancy. Due to its poor prognosis, management has included vulvectomy and complete bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. The Standard of care for cutaneous melanomas is to perform sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy during excision of intermediate thickness lesions. Lymph node dissection in the inguinofemoral region can result in significant morbidity; thus, the utilization of SLN biopsy for vulvar melanoma is under active investigation. The Standard of care regarding SLN biopsy for vulvar melanoma is not yet determined due to limited prospective data. The objective of this study was to examine the trends and outcomes related to SLN biopsy for vulvar melanoma in the United States according to the local tumor stage. <b>Methods:</b> This population-based retrospective cohort study utilized the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result program from 2004 to 2018. The study population included women with non-metastatic T1-4 stage vulvar melanoma who underwent vulvectomy and had data regarding the method of nodal evaluation. The exposure assignment was based on nodal evaluation: lymphadenectomy, SLN biopsy, or no surgical nodal evaluation. The main outcome was <i>(i)</i> temporal trends of lymphadenectomy or SLN biopsy based on T stage, assessed with a three-year time increment and the Cochrane-Armitage trend test, and <i>(ii)</i> overall survival related to SLN biopsy assessed with inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score. <b>Results:</b> A total of 729 women with T1-4 vulvar melanoma were examined for analysis. For T1 disease (<i>n</i>=215), the utilization of SLN biopsy significantly increased from 16.7% to 38.9% (<i>p</i>=0.002) over time. For T2 disease (<i>n</i>=156) and T3 disease (<i>n</i>=120), the frequency of SLN biopsy was unchanged during the study period (T2 disease, 22.6% to 26.6%, <i>p</i>=0.279; and T3 disease, 27.3% to 37.0%, <i>p</i>=0.812). For T4 disease (<i>n</i>=238), there was a statistically significant increase in the number of women receiving SLN biopsy from 21.2% to 32.9% (<i>p</i>=0.042) during the study period. Across the four disease groups, the SLN biopsy and LND groups had comparable overall survival in the weighted models (all <i>p</i>>0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> This large sample size, population-based study found an upward trend in performance of SLN biopsy in both T1 and T4 vulvar melanoma in the past decade in the United States. In T2 and T3 vulvar melanoma, SLN biopsy did not increase. While SLN biopsy is standard in T2-3 cutaneous melanoma, it appears to be less utilized in these tumor stages of vulvar melanoma. Given the significant morbidity associated with inguinal lymph node dissection, further research is warranted on whether these trends have truly resulted in decreased perioperative morbidity.

Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap for Genital Reconstruction following Radical Vulvectomy with Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy in Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report

Background: Vulvar cancer is a rare malignancy representing about 4% of all genital cancers in women. Historically, the gold standard for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva was en bloc radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. For the reconstruction the options are primary closure, skin grafts, or local and distant flaps. In this case we used the gluteal fold fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap that is sensate and thin with a reliable blood supply, can be advanced easily, and can be performed in a single-stage procedure. Care Report: We present a clinical case of an 82- year old female patient who had an exophytic vulvar lesion, which grew progressively with the histopathologic diagnosis of invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. It was decided to perform radical vulvectomy with right unilateral lymphadenectomy and reconstruction with Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap. During the post-surgical period it recurred with wound dehiscence and finally skin necrosis developed in the area of the left thigh. Surgical debridement, escharectomy, harvesting and application of skin graft, and closure of the femoral hernia with omentum patch were performed with no associated complications. Follow-up was carried out during the next 3 months after surgery. She presented adequate evolution of the flap and left thigh area. Conclusions: The Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap is an excellent option for the reconstruction of the vulvovaginoperineal area after a radical vulvectomy. It provides us with a good prognosis and quality of life for the patient. Article Details Issue

Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap for Genital Reconstruction following Radical Vulvectomy with Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy in Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report

Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap for Genital Reconstruction following Radical Vulvectomy with Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy in Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report

Sentinel lymph node procedure in patients with recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: a\xa0proposed protocol for a multicentre observational study

BackgroundStandard groin treatment in recurrent vulvar cancer consists of uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL), whereas in the primary setting women with selected unifocal tumours will undergo a sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure. The SLN procedure results in fewer short and long-term sequelae compared to IFL, but some concerns must first be considered. Lymph drainage of the vulvar region can be affected by a previous surgery, which might reduce the number of detectable SLN nodes (feasibility) but increase the chance of encountering aberrant lymph drainage patterns such as bilateral SLNs in lateral tumours or SLNs at unexpected locations. Therefore, the SLN procedure potentially carries a higher risk of groin recurrence if a tumour positive node is not retrieved, but may also improve outcomes for women with aberrant drainage patterns. Since the relative benefits and drawbacks of the SLN procedure are still unclear we will investigate the safety of the SLN procedure in women with a first recurrent vulvar cancer. In a simultaneously started registration study we prospectively gather information on women with a first recurrence of vulvar cancer ineligible for the SLN procedure.MethodIn this prospective multicentre observational study all women with a first recurrence of vulvar cancer will be asked to consent to the collection of information on their diagnostics, treatment and outcome, and to complete quality of life and lymph oedema questionnaires. Women with unifocal tumours smaller than 4 cm and unsuspicious groin nodes will be offered the SLN procedure, with follow-up every 3 months together with imaging at 6 and 12 months when the SLN is tumour negative. The primary outcome is groin recurrence within 2 years of initial surgery. A total of 150 women with negative SLNs will be required to demonstrate safety, a stopping rule will apply and an extensive statistical analysis has been designed.DiscussionShould the SLN procedure prove feasible and safe in recurrent vulvar cancer, it will be available for implementation in clinics worldwide. The inclusion of women ineligible for the SLN procedure in the current prospective study will help to bridge knowledge gaps and define future research questions.Trial registrationMedical Ethical Committee approval number NL70149.078.19 (trial protocol version 2.0, date March 2nd, 2020). Affiliation: Erasmus Medical Centre. Dutch trial register NL8467. Date of registration 19.03.2020.

Risk factors associated with 30-day postoperative complications following contemporary vulvectomies with inguinofemoral lymphadenectomies for gynecologic cancers

Early-stage vulvar cancers are treated surgically with vulvectomy with either unilateral or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFLND). These have been notoriously associated with high wound-related postoperative complications (POC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate contemporary rates of 30-day POC and risk factors associated with POC following vulvectomies with IFLND for gynecologic vulvar cancers using a national database.

Videoendoscopic sentinel lymph node detection with icg and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in vulvar cancer comba-ozdemir technique.

ObjectiveThe authors present a surgical film for vulvar cancer surgery, which was performed via video endoscopy.MethodsAn 88-yearold woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and who underwent radical vulvectomy was treated with sentinel lymph node (SLN) and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, which is preferably performed via video endoscopic surgery with a near-infrared fluorescence video endoscopy system. SLN mapping was performed using indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence mapping.ResultsSLNs were detected in the left superficial inguinal area. The surgeons performed bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy.ConclusionNo postoperative early or late complications developed, and the patient was discharged 7 days after surgery. Stage 1B vulvar cancer was identified.

Contralateral lymph node metastases in patients with vulvar cancer and unilateral sentinel lymph node metastases.

The risk of contralateral lymph node metastases following unilateral sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases in patients with vulvar cancer(s) remains to be systematically assessed. We performed a multicenter, retrospective registry-based study of 476 patients with vulvar cancer. The primary outcome measure was the rate of contralateral non-SLN metastases in the case of positive unilateral SLN. Out of 476 patients with primary vulvar cancer, 202 received SLN biopsy: 58 unilateral and 144 bilateral. Out of 66 patients with unilateral metastatic SLN, 62 (93.9%) received contralateral lymphadenectomy-18 after unilateral and 44 after bilateral SLN biopsy. In the study group, 132 SLN were assessed with a median number of 2 (range 1-4) per patient and 76 of these were positive. Lymph node-positivity was associated with advanced tumor stage, as well as lymph and vascular space invasion. In the group of patients with bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy, 1004 lymph nodes were resected with a median number of 15 (range 10-29) per patient. After full dissection of the inguino-femoral lymph nodes, no contralateral non-SLN metastases were found. The risk of contralateral non-SLN metastases in patients with unilateral SLN metastases was low. Therefore, the impact of contralateral lymphadenectomy on patient survival should be investigated in further studies.

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging, sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with vulvar cancer: peritumoral injection dosage and waiting times in our experience

BackgroundVulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy that primarily affects women of postmenopausal age. Treatment is mainly surgical, particularly for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, the most prevalent histotype. In patients with unifocal tumors with a maximum diameter of <4 cm, in the absence of suspected inguinal lymph nodes, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is recommended. The use of a radioactive tracer is mandatory; the use of the vital blue dye is optional.ResultsTwo patients diagnosed with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (FIGO IB stage) underwent bilateral radical vulvectomy, SLN search and removal, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy at the Cannizzaro Hospital Operative Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department (Catania, Italy). Three milliliters of indocyanine green (ICG) 0.5 mg/mL was administered in 3 peritumoral injections under general anesthesia to screen the SLN. The images were acquired using an intraoperative infrared camera system, which allowed intraoperative visualization of the SLN. An SLN was identified for each patient. The lymph nodes examined by the pathologist were negative for metastatic localization of the disease. However, patients underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, as this procedure is not currently codified as a gold standard for the detection of SLN in vulvar cancer. All the lymph nodes removed were negative for the localization of vulvar carcinoma metastases.ConclusionsThe potential of the administration of indocyanine green (ICG) allows the execution of SLN biopsy, avoiding the multiple administrations of radiocolloid in the pre-operative phase, painful for the patient, elimination, and exposure to radioactivity. Therefore, while requiring standardization of the methodology and a large-scale application, this procedure could open a new surgical management perspective in patients with early-stage vulvar cancer.

The potential risk of contralateral non-sentinel groin node metastasis in women with early primary vulvar cancer following unilateral sentinel node metastasis: a single center evaluation in University Hospital of D\xfcsseldorf

BackgroundSince the introduction of sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) in unifocal vulvar cancer (diameter of < 4 cm) and unsuspicious groin lymph nodes, the morbidity rate of patients has significantly decreased globally. In contrast to SLNB, bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) has been associated with increased risk of common morbidities. Current guidelines (NCCN, ESGO, RCOG, and German) recommend that in cases of unilaterally positive sentinel lymph node (SLN), bilateral IFL should be performed. However, two recent publications by Woelber et al. and Nica et al. contradict the current guideline, since a significant rate of positive non sentinel lymph nodes in IFL contralaterally was not observed [Woelber et al. 0% (p = 0/28) and Nica et al. 5.3% (p = 1/19)].MethodsA retrospective single-center analysis conducted in the University Hospital of Dusseldorf, evaluating vulvar cancer patients treated with SLNB from 2002 to 2018.Results22.2% of women (n = 4/18) were found to have contralateral IFL groin metastasis after an initial diagnosis of unilateral SLN metastasis. The depth of tumor infiltrating cells correlated significantly and positively with the rate of incidence of groin metastasis (p = 0.0038).ConclusionCurrent guideline for bilateral IFL should remain as the standard management. Therefore, this depth may be taken into account as an indication for bilateral IFL. The management of VC and SLNB should be performed in a high volume center with an experienced team in marking SLN and performing the adequate surgical procedure. Well conducted counseling of the patients outlining advantages but also potential oncological risks of this technique especially concerning rate of groin recurrence is critical.

Successful Use of Myocutaneous Flap in Recurrent Vulvar Carcinoma: A Case Report

Vulvar cancer being a rare gynecological malignancy, many dilemmas and controversies remain during management of such cases. Radical surgeries are associated with severe postoperative morbidity due to wound-related complications increasing the hospital stay and delaying adjuvant therapies. A case is discussed where wound complications were prevented with the use of flaps. A 58-year-old postmenopausal lady presented with itching in the vulva and a large ulcerative growth on the right side of the vulva. Biopsy from lesion diagnosed to be moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Triple incision modified radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy with sartorius transposition was done. There were no postoperative complications. Histopathology showed keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma vulva grade 2, with a tumor-free margin of 7.8 mm, and single lymph node metastasis of ≥ 5 mm. She was advised adjuvant radiotherapy but did not follow up. Five months later, she presented again with an ulcerative lesion in the right groin. It was diagnosed to be skin bridge recurrence. She was managed with wide excision with a reconstruction of the groin wound with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap. The grafted wound and the donor site both healed well without any complications.. The patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. Histopathology confirmed it to be skin bridge recurrence. Skin bridge recurrences are rare and occur in modified radical vulvectomies with separate groin incisions. Surgical excision of recurrences leaves large wounds that need reconstructive surgeries for management. VRAM flap is a very versatile flap which can be used for reconstruction in genital malignancies.

Efficacy of a collagen-fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil®) as adjuvant treatment in the inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer: a double-blind randomized-controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of a collagen-fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil®) in preventing postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer. Double-blind randomized-controlled trial on consecutive patients undergoing bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer. Intraoperatively, inguinofemoral areas were randomized: one was treated with TachoSil®, while the contralateral had standard closure without collagen-fibrin sealant patch. Surgical outcomes, amount of drainage volume, duration of drain placement, and any postoperative complication (vulvar wound dehiscence, inguinal wound dehiscence, cellulitis, lymphangitis, lymphoceles, and hematoma) were recorded. Leg measurements were taken preoperatively and during postoperative follow-up until 6months to evaluate lymphedema. A total of 19 patients were enrolled and 38 inguinofemoral dissections were performed. There was no significant difference between the investigational and control arm in the amount of drainage volume (p = 0.976), and duration of drain placement (p = 0.793). The postoperative complications, excluding lymphedema, were 10/19 (53%) in investigational arm and 9/19 (47%) in control arm (p = 0.74). At the end of follow-up, the prevalence of grade 1 lymphedema was 44.4% and 50% in investigational and control arm, respectively (p = 0.744); grade 2 and 3 lymphedema had a prevalence of 33.3% in both arms (p = 1). Application of TachoSil® does not seem to improve postoperative lymphorrhagia nor to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer. Considering this point, it would be useful to identify additional strategies in inguinofemoral dissection for the prevention of these complications.

Do Groin Drains Reduce Postoperative Morbidity in Women Undergoing Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy for Vulvar Cancer?

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been widely adopted in the surgical management of women with early-stage vulvar cancer, but many patients require inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL). Following IFL, many surgeons drain the groin to prevent lymphocyst formation despite a lack of evidence to support this practice. Our objective was to investigate whether groin drains after IFL are associated with reduced postoperative morbidity in women undergoing surgery for vulvar cancer. A retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed as having primary vulvar cancer who underwent vulvectomy/radical local excision and unilateral or bilateral IFL was conducted. Cases were ascertained from the weekly outcome reports of a statewide tertiary gynecologic oncology tumor board. Data including postoperative outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Patients were stratified into 1 of 2 groups according to whether a groin drain had been used. Seventy-one patients were included. Inguinal drains were used in 48 patients (67.6%) and 23 patients (32.4%) did not have their groin wound(s) drained. The most common postoperative complications recorded were wound infection (59.2%), groin lymphocyst (32.4%), and cellulitis (25.4%). The mean length of hospital admission was 11.5 days (2-40 days). Compared with patients in whom inguinal drains were placed, those in the "no drain" group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative groin cellulitis (8.7% vs 25.4% P = 0.039). No significant differences were observed between patients in the "drain" and "no drain" groups in lymphocyst formation, wound infection, return to the operating room, duration of hospital stay, readmission post-discharge, and lower-limb lymphedema. In this study of patients undergoing inguinofemoral dissection for primary vulvar cancer, postoperative cellulitis occurred less frequently in patients without an inguinal drain. The incidence of other postoperative complications was no different whether or not a groin drain was used. Prospective studies may be warranted.

LYMPHA Technique to Prevent Secondary Lower Limb Lymphedema.

Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy carries a high risk of lower limb lymphedema. This report describes the feasibility of performing multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses (MLVA) after inguinofemoral lymph node completion (LYMPHA technique) and the possible benefit of LYMPHA for preventing lymphedema. Between February, 2011 and October, 2014, 11 patients with vulvar cancer and 16 patients with melanoma of the trunk requiring inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy underwent lymph node dissection and the LYMPHA technique. Blue dye was injected into the thigh 10 min before surgery. Lymphatics afferent to the blue nodes were used to perform MLVA using a collateral branch of the great saphenous vein. The mean age of patients in the vulvar cancer group was 52 years (range, 48-75 years). The melanoma group comprised seven men and nine women with a mean age of 41 years (range, 37-56 years). Of the 16 patients, 5 with vulvar cancer underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, whereas the remaining 6 patients with vulvar cancer and all 16 patients with melanoma of the trunk had unilateral node dissection. All the patients were treated by the LYMPHA technique. No lymphocele or infectious complications occurred. Transient lower-extremity edema occurred for one melanoma patient (6.25 %), which resolved after 2 months, and permanent lower-extremity edema occurred for one patient (9 %) with vulvar cancer. The LYMPHA technique appears to be feasible, safe, and effective for the prevention of lower limb lymphedema, thereby improving the patient's quality of life and decreasing health care costs.

The number of removed lymph nodes by inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy: impact on recurrence rates in patients with vulva carcinoma.

Inguinal lymph node (LN) metastasis is a crucial prognostic factor in vulva carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of the number of resected LNs in patients with vulvar carcinoma on recurrence rates. This retrospective study includes patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma who underwent inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) between 1998 and 2011. Dissected groins were stratified by the number of removed lymph nodes (<6 LNs versus ≥6 LNs) or inguinal LN metastasis (pN- versus pN+) and analyzed according to groin, local and distance recurrence rates. In total 45 patients were identified and 79 groins were eligible for this analysis. 11 patients underwent ipsilateral IFL and 34 bilateral IFL. The median age was 58years (range 31-80). The median tumor size was 2cm (range 0.1-7.9). A median of 8 (range 0-19) LNs were resected per groin. Overall in 11 groins LN metastases were found. Groin recurrences occurred in four patients, local recurrence in six patients and distant metastasis in one patient. We did not observe any significant improvement in groin recurrence rates, local recurrence rates and distant recurrence rates if more than six LNs were removed per groin. Notably, patients with LN metastasis did not show higher recurrence rates compared to unaffected LNs. In this cohort we demonstrated that resection of more than six LNs per groin does not improve the recurrence rates in patients with carcinoma of the vulva. Further prospective studies with more individuals are needed to evaluate the role of resected LNs in vulvar carcinoma.

The risk of contralateral non sentinel metastasis in patients with primary vulvar cancer and unilaterally positive sentinel node.

Background In patients with primary vulvar cancer and bilateral sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, bilateral complete inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy (LAE) is recommended, even in cases with only unilaterally positive SLN by most guidelines. The risk of contralateral non-SLN metastasis is unclear.

Analysis of non-squamous vulvar cancer cases: A 21-year experience in a single center.

Objective:To evaluate the patients with non-squamous cell type of vulvar cancer who were treated in our clinic within 21 years.Materials and Methods:We assessed the data of 14 patients who were treated for non-squamous cancer of the vulva between January 1992 and August 2013. The age of patients, histopathological diagnosis of the tumor, tumor size, tumor location, medical or surgical treatment, response to the treatment, recurrence, and survival rates were analyzed.Results:The mean age of the patients was 53 years. The main complaint was vulvar pruritus (71%). Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm (range: 0.5-6 cm). In 65% of cases, the tumor was localized in the labia majora. The histopathologic diagnosis of the patients was as follows: malignant melanoma in 5 patients, basal cell carcinoma in 5 patients, mucinous type adenocarcinoma in 2 patients, apocrine gland carcinoma in one patients, and malign peripheral nerve sheath tumor in 1 patient. For 11 patients, surgery was the primary treatment. Radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy were performed in 8 patients. Local excision alone without lymphadenectomy was performed in other 3 patients. Five of eight patients (62.5%), who undergone radical surgery, had lymph node metastases. Of these 5 patients, two had bilateral lymph node metastasis. Mean follow-up time was 49.2 months (range 12 to 72 months). Eight (57.1%) patients had suffered first recurrence. In those patients, the mean time to recurrence was 19.5 months (range, 6-48 months).Conclusion:Non-squamous cell vulvar cancer is a rare disease and comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors. Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive one. Multicenter prospective studies are necessary in order to standardize the treatment of these rare tumors.