Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy Research Articles

Lymph Node Count at Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy and Groin Recurrences in Vulvar Cancer

The objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for groin recurrence (GR) in patients with primary vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) without lymph node metastases and/or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The study is a multicenter retrospective review of clinical and histopathological data of patients with lymph node-negative vulvar SCC who underwent an IFL. Patients with and without GRs were compared to identify risk factors. In 134 patients, 252 groins were eligible for the analyses--16 patients underwent ipsilateral IFL and 118 patients underwent bilateral IFL. Groin recurrences occurred in 4 (1.6%) of the 252 dissected groins. Besides, 1 patient who underwent ipsilateral IFL had a recurrence in the nonoperated contralateral groin; this groin was left out of analysis. The median number of dissected nodes per groin was 9.8 (range, 1-38) in all patients and 6.5 (range, 5-8) in patients with GR. Multivariate analyses showed that GR was related to poor differentiation (P = 0.04), and node count less than 9 (P = 0.04), no association with age, tumor localization, tumor diameter, focality, invasion depth, or stage was found. Nineteen patients with both low node count and poor differentiation had 19% GRs. Survival analyses showed less favorable survival in patients with poor differentiation. The overall risk of developing GR after negative IFL in patients with vulvar SCC is low (1.6% per groin) but significantly higher in patients with tumors with a poor differentiation and lymph node count less than 9 at IFL. A large well-designed prospective study is needed to evaluate closer surveillance in patients at risk.

Does the count after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in vulvar cancer correlate with outcome?

BackgroundInguinal lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important prognostic factor in vulvar cancer. Our aim was to determine the prognostic value of the number of resected LNs in inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed in a series of 158 individuals who underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma from January 1980 to February 2010. ResultsThe mean age was 67 years (range: 15–90). Median tumor size was 5cm (range: 1–18). A median of 22.5 inguinal LNs (range: 2–57) was resected. Thirteen (8.2%) patients had <12 LNs resected, and 145 (91.8%) had ≥12 LNs resected. Eighty (50.6%) patients had LN metastasis, with a median of 2 positive LNs (range: 1–16). Of those with positive LNs, 19 (23.8%), 23 (28.8%), and 38 (47.5%) patients had 1, 2, and 3 or more positive LNs, respectively. Thirty-three (41.2%) patients had bilateral LN metastasis. For patients without LN involvement, we failed to observe any significant difference between patients with <12 LNs and ≥12 LNs that were resected with regard to risk of recurrence (p=0.97) and death from cancer (p=0.43) in 5 years. However, resection of <12 LNs in patients with positive LNs negatively impacted the risk of recurrence (p=0.003) and death from cancer (p=0.043). ConclusionsResection of fewer than 12 LNs in vulvar cancer has a negative impact on outcome for patients with positive inguinal LNs.

Tailoring the Treatment of Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Surgery

To determine the feasibility of performing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCH) followed by radical surgery in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Prospective and multicenter trial. Thirty-five patients with a diagnosis of previously untreated locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were given 4 schemes of cisplatin-based NCH and 1 NCH regimen with single bleomycin. Then, they underwent radical surgery of the vulva if clinical response was 50% or more. Age, NCH schemes used, toxicity, response to treatment, type of radical surgery performed, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Thirty-three patients completed the proposed schemes, and 30 were assessed for radical surgery. Finally, 27 patients underwent radical surgery (radical vulvectomy or radical local excision plus bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy). In 2 cases of persistent rectal involvement, posterior pelvic exenteration was performed. Moreover, 24 of 27 patients remain with no evidence of disease to date. Toxicity was acceptable. Median age was 62 years (range, 54-72 years). Median follow-up was 49 months (range, 4-155 months). The use of NCH in selected groups may increase surgical feasibility in initially inoperable patients, thus favoring organ preservation and less extensive resections. Adverse reactions were acceptable, and vulvoperineal deleterious effects that may occur after radiotherapy were consequently avoided.

Tattoo Pigment Lymphadenopathy Mimicking Metastasis in Vulvar Cancer

Approximately 24% of American adults have tattoos. Studies of humans and mice demonstrate that tattoo pigment migrates to lymph nodes and can cause lymphadenopathy. A 32-year-old woman presented with a 6-cm vulvar mass and extensive bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenopathy. Bilateral small tattoos were noted in the groins. Vulvar biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, and fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes showed no evidence of malignancy. The patient underwent a radical hemivulvectomy and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Both inguinal and femoral nodes were enlarged because of extracellular tattoo pigment and reactive follicular hyperplasia without any evidence of metastasis. This case emphasizes the need to consider tattoo pigment as a cause of lymphadenopathy in any patient with a regional tattoo.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

Alternative therapies have been sought to alleviate mutilation and morbidity associated with surgery for vulvar neoplasms. Our prime objective was to assess tumor absence in pathological vulvar and nodal specimens following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced vulvar neoplasms. Data were retrospectively collected from January 2001 to May 2009 from 22 patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Neoadjuvant treatment consisted of inguino-pelvic radiotherapy (50 Gy) in association with chemotherapy when possible. Surgery occurred at intervals of between 5 to 8 weeks. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 74.1 years. All patients were primarily treated with radiotherapy and 15 received a concomitant chemotherapy. Additionally, all patients underwent radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy. Tumor absence in the vulvar and nodal pathological specimens was achieved for 6 (27%) patients, while absence in the vulvar pathological specimens was only achieved for 10 (45.4%) patients. Postoperative follow-up revealed breakdown of groin wounds, vulvar wounds and chronic lymphedema in 3 (14.3%), 7 (31.8%) and 14 cases (63.6%), respectively. Within a median follow-up time of 2.3 years [interquartile range (IQR), 0.6-4.6], 12 (54.6%) patients experienced complete remission and 6 cases succumbed to metastatic evolution within a median of 2.2 years (IQR, 0.6-4.6), with 1 case also experiencing perineal recurrence. Median survival time, estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, was 5.1 years (IQR, 1.0-6.8). We suggest that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may represent a reliable and promising strategy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

Weekly Paclitaxel/Carboplatin in the Treatment of Locally Advanced, Recurrent, or Metastatic Vulvar Cancer

To evaluate efficacy of weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. A prospective, single-arm, single-center pilot study was initiated to study response rate of 9 weekly courses of paclitaxel (60 mg/m) and carboplatin (area under the curve, 2.7). We used this regimen in the neoadjuvant or metastatic setting when surgery would cause serious morbidity or was not an option owing to distant metastases. Primary outcome was response rate, measured according to Response Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Treatment toxicity, surgical morbidity, and type of surgery were also evaluated. We treated 6 patients in the period between May 2009 and May 2011, of which 4 patients had a diagnosis of locally advanced disease and 2 patients had a diagnosis of recurrent disease. A median number of 7.5 cycles of paclitaxel/carboplatin weekly was administered (range, 3-9). No objective response was observed. Paclitaxel/carboplatin weekly was discontinued after a mean of 4.3 weekly cycles in 3 patients owing to local disease progression. After a median follow-up of 4.2 months (range, 1-29 months), 3 patients died owing to progressive disease and 1 patient died owing to intercurrent disease. The 2 remaining patients underwent radical vulvectomy + bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The main chemotherapy-related toxicity was anemia and could be managed conservatively with erythropoietin and intravenous iron therapy. Weekly administration of paclitaxel-carboplatin has limited clinical benefit in the treatment of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

Risk factors for short- and long-term complications after groin surgery in vulvar cancer

Background:The cornerstone of treatment in early-stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva is surgery, predominantly consisting of wide local excision with elective uni- or bi-lateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. This strategy is associated with a good prognosis, but also with impressive treatment-related morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for the short-term (wound breakdown, infection and lymphocele) and long-term (lymphoedema and cellulitis/erysipelas) complications after groin surgery as part of the treatment of vulvar SCC.Methods:Between January 1988 and June 2009, 164 consecutive patients underwent an inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy as part of their surgical treatment for vulvar SCC at the Department of Gynaecologic Oncology at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre. The clinical and histopathological data were retrospectively analysed.Results:Multivariate analysis showed that older age, diabetes, ‘en bloc’ surgery and higher drain production on the last day of drain in situ gave a higher risk of developing short-term complications. Younger age and lymphocele gave higher risk of developing long-term complications. Higher number of lymph nodes dissected seems to protect against developing any long-term complications.Conclusion:Our analysis shows that patient characteristics, extension of surgery and postoperative management influence short- and/or long-term complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in vulvar SCC patients. Further research of postoperative management is necessary to analyse possibilities to decrease the complication rate of inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy; although the sentinel lymph node procedure appears to be a promising technique, in ∼50% of the patients an inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is still indicated.

Selective Inguinal Lymphadenectomy in the Treatment of Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva

En bloc radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy has now been replaced by radical wide excision and selective inguinal lymphadenectomy based on the stage and location of invasive vulvar cancer. Early stage lateral cancers can be effectively treated by radical wide excision and ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymphadenectomy. Lymph node mapping using perilesional injection of radiocolloid and blue dye may identify sentinel lymph nodes which can be removed, thereby avoiding the morbidity of full inguinal lymphadenectomy in selected patients with early stage disease.

Clinical characterization of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma

Vulvar epithelioid sarcoma is a rare, undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma, with a high rate of local relapse, regional nodal spread and distant metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this malignancy. We studied the clinicopathologic features of 20 cases of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma, of which 4 cases were admitted to our hospital from 1999 to 2009. All of the patients received radical local excision with inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Seven patients were treated without adjuvant therapy. Seven patients received postoperative radiotherapy only and three underwent chemotherapy. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy were given postoperatively in three. The patients ranged in age from 23 to 80 years (median: 36 y). The tumors ranged from 1 to 10 cm in their greatest diameter (median: 5.1 cm). All cases showed immunoreactivity for both vimentin and cytokeratin. Follow-up information on all 20 patients was available, and covered periods ranging from 3 to 104 months.11 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. 2 patients developed lymph node metastases but alive. 7 patients had died of the disease. Survival of the early stage (I-II) patients was significantly longer than those in the advanced stage (III-IV) (median, 21 vs. 6 months, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between survival of patients with or without inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (median, 11.5 vs. 6 months, P = 0.086). Because of the relatively frequent misdiagnosis, a differential diagnosis combined with immunohistochemistry is needed to determine an early and accurate diagnosis. The tumor markers exhibiting immunoreactivity includ vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and cytokeratin (CK). Radical local excision with adequate margin (at least 2 cm) and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is effective for the treatment of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma. The role of adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy and radiation remains unclear but merits consideration.

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma associated with Fanconi’s anemia

Fanconi's anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which is rarely associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva. We report a 23-year-old virgin female with Fanconi's anemia and diabetes mellitus who presented with a history of 6-month ulcerative lesions of the vulva. Gynecologic examination disclosed a 1 x 2 cm ulcerated tumor lesion at the right labia minor near to the urethra. The biopsy showed a high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN III). She underwent wide local excision for this lesion. Pathologic examination of the surgically removed specimen revealed SCC of the vulva. Therefore, radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy were performed. Due to the involvement of right inguinal lymph node, radiotherapy with a total dose of 45 Gy was delivered to mid-pelvis through antero-posterior/postero-anterior fields with 18 mV photon energies. Until her last follow-up about 1 year after the treatment, the patient was free of disease or any recurrence at the site of operation. Patients with Fanconi's anemia have the risk of developing SCC of the genital tract. Radical vulvectomy and lymphadenectomy along with radiotherapy were associated with a satisfactory outcome in 1-year follow-up period in the presented patient.

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas account for 90% of all vulvar cancers and originate following two different pathways. Approximately 20% of all vulvar squamous cell carcinomas are caused by an infection with high-risk human papillomavirus. It has been hypothesized that most of these vulvar cancers may be prevented by the recently introduced human papillomavirus 16/18 vaccines. However, the majority of vulvar cancers develop in a background of lichen sclerosus and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, of which the exact oncogenesis is unknown. Surgery is the cornerstone of therapy and has evolved from a radical vulvectomy with en bloc bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy to a less radical approach. In this review, this evolution is described, with the sentinel node procedure as the most recent development. In addition, attention is paid to prognostic factors and recurrence patterns.

JECH: new editorial directions

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate efficacy of weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. <h3>Method</h3> A prospective, single-arm, single-center pilot study was initiated to study response rate of 9 weekly courses of paclitaxel (60 mg/m²) and carboplatin (area under the curve, 2.7). We used this regimen in the neoadjuvant or metastatic setting when surgery would cause serious morbidity or was not an option owing to distant metastases. Primary outcome was response rate, measured according to Response Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Treatment toxicity, surgical morbidity, and type of surgery were also evaluated. <h3>Results</h3> We treated 6 patients in the period between May 2009 and May 2011, of which 4 patients had a diagnosis of locally advanced disease and 2 patients had a diagnosis of recurrent disease. A median number of 7.5 cycles of paclitaxel/carboplatin weekly was administered (range, 3–9). No objective response was observed. Paclitaxel/carboplatin weekly was discontinued after a mean of 4.3 weekly cycles in 3 patients owing to local disease progression. After a median follow-up of 4.2 months (range, 1–29 months), 3 patients died owing to progressive disease and 1 patient died owing to intercurrent disease. The 2 remaining patients underwent radical vulvectomy + bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The main chemotherapy-related toxicity was anemia and could be managed conservatively with erythropoietin and intravenous iron therapy. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Weekly administration of paclitaxel-carboplatin has limited clinical benefit in the treatment of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparison of Recurrence after Vulvectomy and Lymphadenectomy With and Without Sentinel Node Biopsy in Early Stage Vulvar Cancer

ABSTRACTBecause lymph node metastasis is the single most important prognostic factor for vulvar carcinoma, standard treatment consists of radical tumor removal along with unilateral or bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy. Biopsy of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) holds promise for identifying th

Management of vulvar cancers

Aim The radical surgical approach in the treatment of vulvar cancer patients has led to a favorable prognosis for the majority of the patients with early stage squamous cell cancer. However, the morbidity is impressive, leading to more individualized treatment. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the management of vulvar cancer. Methods We have reviewed the literature on the modifications in treatment of vulvar cancer with the emphasis on surgery and radiotherapy for primary disease. Results While surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for early stage squamous cell vulvar cancer (with wide local excision and uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy via separate incisions as standard treatment), until now there has been a limited role for primary radiotherapy although this may be an attractive alternative for the inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in the future. The sentinel lymph node procedure with the combined technique (preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with 99mtechnetium-labeled nanocolloid and Patente Blue) is a promising staging technique for patients with vulvar cancer. The clinical implementation of the sentinel lymph node procedure and the role of additional histopathological techniques of the sentinel lymph nodes have to be investigated. In advanced vulvar cancer, chemoradiation followed by surgery should be regarded as the treatment of first choice for these patients. Conclusions Due to the rarity of vulvar cancer it is quite clear that further studies will have to be performed by international collaborative groups. The sentinel lymph node procedure and primary radiotherapy are promising methods to reduce morbidity of treatment, but their safety needs to be studied in clinical trials.

Unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation for unilaterally node-positive women with vulval carcinoma

It is essential that any patient with resected vulval cancer and significant nodal disease receive optimal adjuvant treatment with radiation. Adequate radiotherapy for such patients with unilateral positive groin nodes has not been defined. Whether both groins and pelvic sidewalls should be irradiated or only the affected (node positive) side remains unclear. From our registry, we identified all patients with primary, previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva undergoing bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (superficial and deep nodes) and having unilaterally positive groin nodes treated with unilateral groin and pelvic radiotherapy (44 Gy in 22 fractions). Clinical and pathologic records were reviewed to identify the anatomical site and timing of recurrences in these patients and determine whether unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation was sufficient for disease control on the node-negative side. From 1983 to 2002, 20 patients with unilateral positive nodes treated with unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation were identified. Nineteen patients were classed as having FIGO stage III disease and one as FIGO stage IV due to involvement of the rectal mucosa. There were nine patients with disease recurrences in this group (45%). The disease-free interval ranged from 4 to 31 months (median time to recurrence, 9 months). All nine patients had local or regional failures, the most common site being the ipsilateral groin (six of nine patients). One patient was also found to have distant metastases. There were no recurrences noted in the contralateral (nonirradiated) groin or pelvic sidewall. Recurrence was generally fatal. Eight of the nine patients subsequently died of their disease. The ninth patient died of another cause. There was a high incidence of regional failure after unilateral groin and pelvic radiotherapy, but there were no recurrences on the nonirradiated, node-negative side. Although a small series, we speculate that there is no apparent disadvantage to administering unilateral adjuvant radiotherapy for unilaterally positive groin nodes and encourage further studies in order to more confidently determine whether the tendency observed in our center holds true.

Cost-effectiveness and quality of life of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (filgrastim) after radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy: results of a randomized clinical trial

Objective: To examine the effect of filgrastim on the incidence of wound infection, quality of life and costs after a radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy. Study design: In a prospective, randomized clinical trial 40 patients were treated with either filgrastim or placebo for 9 consecutive days starting at the day before surgery. Data on wound healing was scored up to 56 days postoperatively. Quality of life was measured and cost data were collected. Statistical analyses used were the Mann–Whitney test and the Student’s t-test. Results: The clinical results showed no differences in wound infection between both groups. The average score on the EuroQol showed that patients felt worst in the week after surgery. Treatment costs were higher in the filgrastim group versus the placebo group. Conclusion: Filgrastim does not improve wound healing after radical vulvectomy, does not improve quality of life and is not cost-effective. However, the postoperative stay after radical vulvectomy is relatively long due to wound healing problems and has a major impact on the patient’s quality of life.

Sentinel node biopsy in vulvar and vaginal melanoma: presentation of six cases and a literature review.

Urogenital melanoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. Its management in the past involved radical vulvectomy and complete bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an accurate low-morbidity procedure when used in the context of cutaneous melanoma. However, prophylactic lymphadenectomy has not been shown to improve survival of melanoma patients. We wanted to determine the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with female urogenital melanoma as a staging procedure. Six patients with vulvar or vaginal melanomas underwent preoperative lymphatic mapping with (99m)Tc-labeled sulfur colloid followed by sentinel lymphadenectomy. In addition, we reviewed the literature on the application of sentinel lymph node biopsy in urogenital tract melanomas. One or more sentinel nodes were identified in all six patients by lymphoscintigraphy. All patients underwent sentinel lymphadenectomy, except for one patient with a deep vaginal melanoma that drained to pelvic nodes. The five successful cases had unilateral drainage patterns. None of the sentinel lymph nodes excised had tumor invasion. Combined with five other patients from the published literature, the success rate of localizing sentinel lymph nodes in the patients with urogenital melanoma approaches 100%. This experience, plus reports of a small number of patients from three similar studies, supports the impression that sentinel lymph node biopsy is feasible for vulvar and vaginal melanoma.

Preliminary experiences with sentinel lymph node detection in cases of vulvar malignancy.

Lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in vulvar malignancy. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the clinical significance of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy in the management of vulvar neoplasms. Eight patients with squamous cell carcinoma and two patients with malignant melanoma of the vulva were studied with 100 MBq technetium-99m nanocolloid (Sentiscint, OSSKI, Budapest) 1 day before surgery. The location of the sentinel lymph node was checked by a single-head gamma camera-computer system (MB 9200, Mediso, Budapest). Vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was performed in each case. At lymphadenectomy, the sentinel lymph node was separately removed and histologically studied. Three of the ten patients had positive sentinel lymph nodes (micrometastasis). Five months later one of them had local recurrence of the vulvar cancer, and another had inguinal recurrence of the tumour 6 months postoperatively; the third patient was operated on only recently. Our preliminary results are impressive and suggest that lymphoscintigraphy is an easy and reliable method for detection of the sentinel lymph node in vulvar malignancy.

Noninvasive detection of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases in squamous cell cancer of the vulva by L-

In the majority of patients with early stage squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the vulva, an inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is performed (in retrospect) for diagnostic reasons: exclusion of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases. The morbidity of this procedure, however, is significant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate noninvasive detection of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases by positron emission tomography (PET) using L-[1-11C]-tyrosine (TYR) as tracer. In patients with SCC of the vulva, scheduled for resection of the primary tumor and uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, results of preoperative palpation of the groins and TYR-PET imaging were compared with histopathology. PET imaging was performed using two different methods. In a first group (n = 16), nonattenuation corrected 'whole body' scans were performed, and in a second group (n = 9), attenuation corrected static emission scans. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value for palpation were 62%, 89%, 82%, 67%, and 87% per groin. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value for TYR-PET were calculated for the two methodologies separately and overall. There were no significant differences. Overall values were 53%, 95%, 94%, 33%, and 98% per lymph node and 75%, 62%, 65%, 41% and 88% per groin. Detection of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases by TYR-PET is not superior to palpation. Neither palpation nor TYR-PET is able to adequately predict or exclude presence of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases in patients with SCC of the vulva.

The side of groin node metastases in unilateral vulvar carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to analyze the occurrence of ipsilateral, bilateral and contralateral inguinofemoral node metastases in unilateral vulvar carcinoma. One hundred and eighty-five women with a T1 or T2 squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy were surveyed. Inguinofemoral lymph node metastases were found in 23 (22.1%) out of the 104 patients with a unilateral primary tumor. These lymph node metastases were found solely on the ipsilateral side in 21 (91.3%) out of the 23 patients. One patient presented with bilateral extranodal growth in the groins. Another patient with a history of endometrial carcinoma had a right-sided vulvar tumor with contralateral groin node metastases. Half a year later, she was diagnosed with recurrent endometrial cancer on the right pelvic side-wall. Our study endorses clinical evidence that the preferential lymph flow is to the ipsilateral groin. Established lymph node metastases may disturb the normal lymph flow with contralateral metastases as a possible consequence.