Noninvasive detection of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases in squamous cell cancer of the vulva by L-[1–11C]-tyrosine positron emission tomography

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.     

Is there a role for magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of inguinal lymph node metastases in patients with vulva carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: To study the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lymph node detection in patients with vulva carcinoma. METHODS: Sixty patients with diagnosed vulva carcinoma underwent MRI examination for preoperative evaluation of lymph nodes. MRI images were read independently and retrospectively by two radiologists, both unaware of physical examination and surgery findings. The following characteristics of each lymph node with a short-axis diameter of >or=8 mm were recorded: size (axial, sagittal and coronal); aspect (homogeneous, with fatty center or partial fat); margin (smooth, lobulated/speculated or indistinct); shape: (round, ovoid or elongated). Based on these characteristics, each lymph node was classified as malignant or benign and subsequently each groin was classified as malignant or benign. Histopathology obtained at sentinel node procedure or by inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was used as reference standard. Per groin sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Kappa statistics on per groin basis were calculated to express interobserver agreement. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen groins were examined either by sentinel node procedure or surgery, of which 23 groins were malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 52%, 85%, 46% and 87% for observer 1 and 52% 89%, 52% and 89% for observer 2. The interobserver agreement was 104/119 (kappa 0.62), representing good agreement. CONCLUSION: At this stage there is no role for standard MRI in evaluating lymph node involvement in patients with vulva carcinoma.     

Prediction of lymph node metastases in vulvar cancer: a review

The aim of this study was to review the literature on currently available non- and minimally-invasive diagnostic methods and analysis of primary tumor characteristics for prediction of inguinofemoral lymph node metastases in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. We used the English language literature in PubMed and reference lists from selected articles. Search terms included vulvar carcinoma, prognosis, lymph node metastases, ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and sentinel lymph node. No study type restrictions were imposed. Currently no noninvasive imaging techniques exist that are able to predict lymph node metastases with a high enough negative predictive value. A depth of invasion < or =1 mm is the only histopathologic parameter that can exclude patients for complete inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. No other clinicopathologic parameter allows exclusion of lymph node metastases with a high enough negative predictive value. The minimally invasive sentinel node procedure is a promising technique for selecting patients for complete lymphadenectomy, but its safety has not been proven yet.     

Inguinal node status by ultrasound in vulva cancer

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the value of ultrasound in preoperative assessment of groin node status in vulva cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with clinically uninvolved groins who were undergoing groin node dissection for vulva cancer in our department over an 18-month period were recruited into the study. A preoperative scan of each groin to be dissected was performed to identify any suspicious lymph nodes containing metastases. Suspicious nodes were defined by two sonographic criteria: short axis diameter (>8 mm) and a long axis/short axis ratio (L/S 相似文献   

Usefulness of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to detect para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis in advanced cervical cancer with negative computed tomography findings

OBJECTIVE: In advanced cervical cancer, it has been reported that progression-free survival is significantly related to para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Computed tomography (CT) has been widely used for clinical staging, but its sensitivity for lymph nodal metastasis is low. Therefore, this prospective study was undertaken to evaluate (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in detecting para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma when CT findings were negative. METHODS: Fifty women with advanced cervical cancer confined to the pelvis with negative abdominal CT findings were included in this study. After 10 mCi of FDG was administered intravenously, the abdomens were scanned by PET. Para-aortic lymph node metastases were diagnosed as present or absent according to a standardized staging procedure. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal surgical exploration revealed 14 patients with para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis. Two patients had false-negative FDG-PET findings and the other two patients had false-positive FDG-PET findings. CONCLUSION: Overall, FDG-PET imaging had a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 94.4%, and an accuracy of 92%. When abdominal CT findings are negative, the use of FDG-PET can accurately detect para-aortic lymph nodal metastatis in patients with advanced cervical cancer.     

Positron emission tomography scanning in gynecologic and breast cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Positron emission tomography with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose represents a noninvasive functional imaging modality that is based on metabolic characteristics of malignant tumors. The recent findings of this technique in breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other gynecologic malignancies are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: In breast cancer, positron emission tomography with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose is more accurate than conventional methods for the staging of distant metastases, enables early assessment of treatment response in patients undergoing primary chemotherapy. The diagnostic accuracy for axillary lymph node staging depends on the tumor load of the lymph nodes. The sensitivity of this technique in detecting primary breast cancer is limited in small breast lesions and invasive lobular cancer. In cervical cancer it is the most accurate noninvasive method for lymph node staging and it can accurately depict recurrent ovarian cancer in patients with elevated CA125 levels. False negative findings in well differentiated adenocarcinoma and borderline lesions as well as false positive findings in benign conditions limit the role of positron emission tomography scanning for the differential diagnosis of adnex tumors. SUMMARY: Positron emission tomography with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose reveals unique information about tumor metabolism in gynecologic malignancies and breast cancer. This technique is complementary to morphological imaging for primary diagnosis, staging and re-staging. It may become the method of choice for the early assessment of treatment response in breast cancer and the detection of recurrent disease in ovarian cancer. This method, however, cannot replace invasive procedures if microscopic disease is of clinical relevance.     

Surgical and radiographic staging in patients with cervical cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The most recent data on surgical and radiographic staging in patients with cervical cancer are analysed. RECENT FINDINGS: Laparoscopic staging of retro and intraperitoneal disease is feasible. Morbidity is low, but the impact on survival has still to be shown. The sentinel lymph node concept is valid in patients with cervical cancer. Sensitivity and negative predictive value, however, have to be improved before the concept can be integrated into clinical practice. The majority of most recent radiographic studies evaluate the value of positron emission tomography. Accuracy of detection of extracervical disease is high and the response to chemoradiation can be measured by positron emission tomography using various scoring systems. Positron emission tomography seems to be the most accurate technique for detecting early recurrence. SUMMARY: Surgical staging is less invasive by laparoscopy, and radiographic staging becomes more accurate by positron emission tomography. Prospective evaluations have to show the impact of these new techniques on survival of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer.     

Diagnostic value of ultrasound and color Doppler in identifying axillary lymph node metastases in patients with breast cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of ultrasound and color Doppler in axillary lymph node metastases of patients with breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study including 55 patients with primitive, invasive, node negative breast cancer who underwent preoperative axillary ultrasound and color Doppler. Doppler and morphologic ultrasound criteria were applied to the identification of axillary lymph node metastases. RESULTS: The imagery study of all 55 patients identified a total of 141 nodes; 44 were considered to be positive according to established criteria. The histological examination of the axillary dissection revealed a total of 989 nodes; 77 out of 989 presented metastases; all invaded nodes belonged to 21 patients. The previous imagiologic study was positive for axillary lymph node metastases in 15 out of these 21 patients. A sensitivity of 71.4%, a specificity of 71.4%, a negative predictive value of 80.6% and a positive predictive value of 60.0% were achieved. CONCLUSION: The imagery study of the axillary region through ultrasound and color Doppler might be useful in assessing axillary lymph node metastases in patients with breast cancer.     

Ovarian cancer, diagnosed with PET, with bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy as primary presenting sign

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer groin lymph nodes metastases are rare. Only one case of disease spread isolated to the groins has been reported in the English literature. We report the case of a patient with bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy due to tumor metastases and in which tumor origin was diagnosed using [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). CASE REPORT: This is the first case of bilateral groin lymph nodes as sole site of metastases from ovarian cancer. Primary origin was identified using PET. CONCLUSIONS: In rare cases, the ovaries can directly metastasis to the groin even in a relatively initial tumor growth phase. PET may play a role in the diagnosis of occult ovarian tumors.     

The diagnostic value of PET/CT scanning in patients with cervical cancer: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of PET/CT as a supplement to FIGO staging in patients with cervical cancer stage >or=1B. METHODS: This prospective study included 120 consecutive patients. After staging, a whole-body PET/CT scan was performed and these examinations were divided into two groups: (1) patients suitable for radical hysterectomy including lymph node dissection and (2) patients referred to combined chemo/radiation therapy. The results were compared to histopathological findings and/ or follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients underwent radical surgery; four of these had PET/CT scans revealing pathological foci in the pelvis. Three (11%) were true positive; one was false positive. Twenty-two patients had true negative PET/CT scans concerning pelvic lymph nodes. One patient had a false negative node. For these patients, we found the positive predictive value (PPV) to be 75%, negative predictive value (NPV) 96%, sensitivity 75%, specificity 96%. Regarding para-aortal nodal disease in the total population of 119 patients, 15 patients had true positive scans. The number of true negatives was 103, resulting in PPV 94%, NPV 100%, sensitivity 100% and specificity 99%. PET/CT scans showed distant metastases in 19 patients, 10 were true positive and nine were false positive. The remaining 100 patients were considered true negative for distant metastases and for these patients, we found PPV 63%, NPV 100%, sensitivity 100% and specificity 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body FDG PET/CT scanning for newly diagnosed cervical cancer FIGO stage >or=1B has a high sensitivity and specificity, and can be a valuable supplement to the FIGO staging procedure.     

The role of high resolution ultrasound with guided cytology of groin lymph nodes in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a pilot study.

The accuracy of high resolution ultrasound with guided fine needle aspiration cytology in detecting inguinal lymph node involvement was assessed in 24 women undergoing radical vulvectomy and groin node dissection for squamous cell vulval cancer. Of the 43 groins dissected, ultrasound correctly diagnosed the lymph node status in 36, with five false positive and two false negative results. Cytology in 40 groins showed no false positive and five false negative results. The sensitivity and specificity for the combined techniques were 83% and 82% respectively. Assessed together, the combined technique failed to detect metastatic disease in two groins; in both cases the extent of nodal metastatic involvement was a solitary focus < 3 mm in diameter. The ultrasound and fine needle aspiration procedure is safe and well tolerated and can be repeated as needed for surveillance. The authors suggest that this procedure should be evaluated further to determine whether a policy of individual selection for lymphadenectomy can be implemented based on this technique.     

The role of high resolution ultrasound with guided cytology of groin lymph nodes in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a pilot study

The accuracy of high resolution ultrasound with guided fine needle aspiration cytology in detecting inguinal lymph node involvement was assessed in 24 women undergoing radical vulvectomy and groin node dissection for squamous cell vulval cancer. Of the 43 groins dissected, ultrasound correctly diagnosed the lymph node status in 36, with five false positive and two false negative results. Cytology in 40 groins showed no false positive and five false negative results. The sensitivity and specificity for the combined techniques were 83% and 82% respectively. Assessed together, the combined technique failed to detect metastatic disease in two groins; in both cases the extent of nodal metastatic involvement was a solitary focus < 3 mm in diameter. The ultrasound and fine needle aspiration procedure is safe and well tolerated and can be repeated as needed for surveillance. The authors suggest that this procedure should be evaluated further to determine whether a policy of individual selection for lymphadenectomy can be implemented based on this technique.     

Role of appendectomy in predicting lymph node metastases in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of appendectomy in predicting lymph node metastases in women undergoing cytoreductive procedures for ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: In 127 consecutive patients with ovarian carcinoma appendectomy was performed in 30 patients over a period of 5 years. Eight of them were found to have metastases to the appendix. Pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 34 patients, in 24 of them the appendix was removed during primary surgery. RESULTS: Among 19 patients without metastases to the appendix the lymph nodes were positive in five cases (26.3%) and among five patients with metastases to the appendix the lymph nodes were positive in four cases (80.0%), which is not a significant difference. Evaluation of the appendiceal metastases as a predictor of lymph node metastases in patients with ovarian cancer gives a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 80%, a negative predictive value of 74% and an accuracy of 75%. CONCLUSION: The possibility of predicting retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in ovarian cancer on the basis of histological examination of the appendix is limited.     

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology in staging clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of ultrasound (US)-guided axillary lymph node fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in staging clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer. Based on retrospective data, we analyzed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value and efficacy of preoperative axillary US-guided FNAC. A total of 108 consecutive female patients with histological-confirmed invasive breast cancer between January 2006 and December 2010 were included. The management decisions were based on cytological results. Twenty-two patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 86 remaining patients benefited of primary surgery. Patients with positive cytology or included in neoadjuvant regimens were scheduled for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), while patient with negative or nondiagnostic cytology underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. Axillary US-guided FNAC was compared with definitive pathology of surgically removed lymph nodes. Axillary metastases were found in 55 out of 108 patients (50.9%). In these cases we proceeded with ALND. Excluding the group benefiting from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we could spare a second surgical intervention for 37 out of 86 patients (43%). The axillary US with FNAC has a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 85%, a positive predictive value of 89%, and a negative predictive value of 66%. Without taking into account the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, in which the statistical analyzes might be biased by the complete histological response, specificity and positive predictive value increased to 100% and negative predictive value to 71%. US combined with FNAC of axillary lymph nodes is a simple, minimally invasive, and reproducible diagnostic approach in improving the preoperative axillary staging of invasive breast cancer patients.     

磁共振成像检查对早期宫颈癌分期价值研究

目的探讨磁共振成像(MRI)在评估早期宫颈癌患者宫旁浸润、阴道受侵、淋巴结转移方面的价值。方法选取2010-10-01至2013-01-31辽宁省肿瘤医院收治的48例因宫颈癌为病因首次就诊患者,以术后病理结果为金标准比较MRI、术前妇科三合诊、术中探查和剖视标本3种诊断方法在宫旁浸润、阴道受侵、淋巴结转移3个方面的价值,并以手术-病理分期为金标准对MRI分期及术前临床分期的准确度进行对比。结果 MRI在早期宫颈癌术前淋巴结转移诊断方面的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度分别为65%、94%、85%、83%、83%,在宫旁浸润方面分别为50%、91%、33%、95%、88%,在阴道受侵方面分别为50%、78%、43%、82%、71%。妇科三合诊在早期宫颈癌宫旁浸润方面的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度分别为0、100%、0、92%、92%、阴道受侵方面分别为75%、100%、100%、92%、94%。临床分期的整体准确度为81%,MRI分期的整体准确度为67%,临床-MRI分期的整体准确度为92%。结论 MRI在早期宫颈癌术前淋巴结转移诊断方面有良好的价值;在宫旁浸润、阴道受侵方面有较好的阴性预测值和特异度;将临床-MRI结合所得分期较单独运用两种诊断方法分期准确度有所提高。     

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.     

Prognostic significance of groin lymph node metastases in squamous carcinoma of the vulva

A retrospective review of the clinical and histologic findings in 48 cases of stages I, II, and III (excluding T3) squamous carcinoma of the vulva with positive groin nodes reveals the prognostic significance of the size and number of the nodal metastases. Other factors such as the morphology of the lymph nodes and the histologic features of the primary neoplasm are not nearly as significant. Patients with only one or two small nodal metastases have an excellent outlook for survival providing that adequate margins can be obtained around the primary tumor and that thorough groin node dissections can be performed. These patients do not appear to need adjuvant radiation or pelvic node dissection. A further finding is that patients with unilateral labial carcinomas do not have metastases to the opposite groin in the absence of ipsilateral groin metastases, although six of 21 patients had metastases to both groins.     

Routine computerized tomography scanning, groin ultrasound with or without fine needle aspiration cytology in the surgical management of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

We set out to study whether computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the vulva and the groin and groin ultrasound scanning (USS) alone or with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (USS/FNAC) influenced or could influence the surgical management of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva (SCCaV). Forty-four patients underwent surgery for primary SCCaV following radiologic imaging by one or more modalities. Patient details included the clinical assessment of the carcinoma, radiologic findings, the operation performed, and whether the decision regarding the type and extent of surgery for the vulval carcinoma and, in particular, for the groin node dissection was or could be influenced by the radiologic findings. The age range was 38-87 years, with a median of 74 years. A total of 75 groin dissections were performed. Twenty-five of the 44 patients (56.8%) did not have groin node metastasis, 14 had unilateral metastasis (31.8%), and 5 (11.4%) had bilateral metastasis. All cases with histologically proven nodal status were analyzed to compare the preoperative imaging status with the histology. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for CT were 58%, 75%, 75%, and 58%, for USS alone-87%, 69%, 94%, and 48%, and for USS-guided FNAC-80%, 100%, 93%, and 100%, respectively. There was no patient in whom surgical planning for the vulval carcinoma or the groin nodes was or could be altered by the CT findings. The data do not support the routine use of CT scanning in patients with primary SCCaV, either in assessment of the primary vulval carcinoma or in detecting groin nodal metastases. For the groin nodes, USS/FNAC is superior to CT in assessing disease status. In contrast to CT, USS/FNAC may have a useful clinical role in the management of the groin nodes in vulval carcinoma.     

Sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer: Management dilemmas in patients with positive nodes and larger tumors

Background

Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been routinely used in the treatment of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), questions still remain regarding the management of patients with positive nodes, as well as its use in patients with larger tumors.

前哨淋巴结活检术应用于外阴癌的初步研究

目的 探讨前哨淋巴结活检术(SLNB)应用于外阴癌的可行性.方法 选择2004年10月-2008年4月间于中国医学科学院肿瘤医院接受手术治疗、术中采用SLNB的外阴癌患者21例,其中处于研究前期(即2005年5月前)的11例患者采用染料法识别前哨淋巴结(SLN)、处于研究后期的10例患者采用核素-染料联合法识别SLN,术后行常规病理检查.以病理检查结果为金标准,观察SLNB的检测效果;并观察与SLNB相关的并发症的发生情况.结果 21例患者中,20例(95%)检出SLN,其中8例为单侧腹股沟、12例为双侧腹股沟.20例SLN阳性患者共检出83枚SLN,每例患者平均检出4.2枚(1～9枚),每侧腹股沟平均2.6枚(1～6枚).其中,染料法每例患者平均检出4.4枚、每侧腹股沟平均2.5枚,核素-染料联合法每例患者平均检出3.9枚、每侧腹股沟平均2.7枚,分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(t=0.459,P=0.652;t=-0.421,P=0.717).20例SLN阳性患者腹股沟浅组淋巴结中均检出SLN,其中1例双侧腹股沟深组淋巴结中也检出SLN.20例SLN阳性的患者中,8例(10侧腹股沟)术后病理检查显示腹股沟淋巴结转移,其中7例患者(9侧腹股沟)的转移淋巴结中均包括有SLN、1例(1侧腹股沟)出现假阴性.以SLN识别预测同侧腹股沟淋巴结转移的假阴性率为10%(1/10),阴性预测值为96%(22/23).未发现与SLNB相关的损伤及不良反应.结论 SLNB应用于外阴癌安全、可行,以SLN预测同侧腹股沟淋巴结转移具有较高准确性.