Sentinel node evaluation in gynecologic cancer.

The sentinel node evaluation has revolutionized the modern surgical management of cutaneous melanoma and breast cancer. In gynecologic oncology, sentinel node mapping has been mainly studied in vulvar and cervical cancer. In vulvar cancer, data from 12 studies including 353 cases indicate that the sentinel node detection rate is 92% and the negative-predictive value is 99%. Three groin recurrences have been documented so far (< 1%). The technique has more recently been studied in cervical cancer. Data from 12 studies including 323 cases indicate a lower sentinel node detection rate of 80% to 86% and a negative-predictive value of 99%. Three false-negative cases have been reported so far (< 1%). Review of the literature suggests that the combined approach with blue dye and lymphoscintigraphy is superior to the blue dye alone for sentinel node detection. It also suggests that the sentinel node mapping technique is feasible in vulvar and cervical cancer and that it may become a valuable alternative to the traditional groin and pelvic lymphadenectomy. However, results have not been duplicated in large multi-institutional trials, and the technique should still be performed in the context of clinical trials. Complications of the sentinel node mapping technique are rare and usually benign but physicians should be aware of the serious risk of anaphylactic reaction to the blue dye (1% to 2%). Before this technique becomes a standard approach in the management of gynecologic malignancies, more data will be needed to clarify some of the related controversies.