Sentinel Node Mapping in Gynecologic Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Gynecologic cancers are one of the most important causes of women death worldwide. The sentinel lymph node concept was introduced by Cabanas in 1977 for the penile cancer. This technique was proven safe and feasible in selected cancers such as breast cancer, melanoma, or some gynecologic cancers. Sentinel lymph node mapping is increasingly used in early stages of cervical or vulvar cancer in particular due to the safety, high detection rate, and sensitivity of the technique. In this review, we will discuss in depth the most recent evidence of nuclear medicine and other techniques used to determine the status of the sentinel lymph node in women affected by gynecologic neoplasms. Although significant efforts have been already done in order to address several issues, there are still determined questions without a clear answer, in particular for endometrial, ovarian, and vaginal neoplasms.