Does sentinel node biopsy improve the management of endometrial cancer? Data from 43 patients.

OBJECTIVES

To map sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detected by intracervical injection in patients with endometrial cancer and to determine the prevalence of node micrometastases.

METHODS

Radionuclide and blue dye injections were used for SLN detection in 43 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Lymphoscintigraphy was done before surgery. Intraoperatively, the pelvic and para-aortic territories were examined for blue and/or radioactive nodes. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy. SLNs stained with hematoxylin-eosin-saffron were examined and, when negative, evaluated using step sectioning and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Feasibility was 100%. No adverse effects occurred. SLNs were identified in 30 patients (69.8%), usually in an interiliac location (28/30 patients, 93.3%). SLNs were found only in the common iliac chain in 1 (3%) patient and in both the common iliac chain and promontory area in another (3%). No patients had para-aortic SLNs or SLNs confined to the promontory. Node metastases were identified in eight patients and were confined to SLNs in six. In 2 (2/30, 6%) patients, SLNs contained micrometastases. No false-negatives occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracervical injection of radionuclide and blue dye chiefly revealed pelvic SLNs. The prevalence of micrometastases was within the expected range. Comparisons with peritumoral injection are needed.