The role of sentinel node detection techniques in vulvar and cervical cancer

The sentinel node is the first lymph node that receives the lymph drainage from the primary tumour. The pathological status of the sentinel node should reflect the histopathology of the entire regional lymph drainage area--both vulvar and cervical cancer spread through the lymphatic system. In gynaecological oncology recent studies have confirmed the utility of the sentinel node concept in vulvar and cervical cancer. Three techniques for sentinel node localisation are available. The preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative hand-held gamma probe detection require the administration of the technetium-99m-labelled colloid around the tumour. The other method is based on the injection of the patent blue dye--during the surgery of the sentinel node because of the dye uptake becomes visible. Following detection, the sentinel lymph node can be removed separately and assessed with ultrastaging and immunohistochemical staining. In the early stages of vulvar and cervical cancer the lymph nodes metastases rate is relatively low--in most cases lymphadenectomy is not necessary. The determination of the regional lymph nodes' pathological status may limit the extent of the surgical treatment. The sentinel node detection rate is relatively high and depends on the applied technique. This technique may play an important role in the treatment of vulvar and cervical cancer. This paper describes the details of sentinel node identification and reviews the literature.