Pelvic and para-aortic lymphatic involvement in tubal carcinoma: topography and surgical implications

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the topography of pelvic and para-aortic node involvement in Fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC). This will help us to recommend appropriate surgical treatment options to the related patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was performed on 19 women with PFTC who underwent a systematic bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: The overall frequency of lymph node involvement was 47% (9/19). The frequency of pelvic and para-aortic metastases was 21% (4/19) and 42% (8/19) respectively. The frequency of lymph node metastases according to the stage of the disease (stage I, II and III) was : 29% (2/7), 50% (1/2) and 60% (6/10) respectively. The left para-aortic chain above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery was the site most frequently involved (75%) when para-aortic nodes were involved. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary tubal carcinoma, the left para-aortic chain above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery is the most frequently involved. A complete lymphadenectomy (including all pelvic and para-aortic chains up to the level of the left renal vein) should be performed in patients with primary tubal carcinoma, even in patients with stage I disease.