Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Gynecologic Malignancies

Lymph node status is one of the most relevant factors for prognostic and therapeutic strategies for every cancer. It is a powerful predictor of survival in patients with early malignant tumors of the vulva, cervix, and uterus (1). For most cancers, the standard therapeutic approach consists of radical resection of the primary tumor with extensive lymphadenectomy. Malignant diseases require appropriate staging to ensure that the surgery does not exceed the minimum required (2). However, preoperative evaluation of lymph node status to establish the optimal extent of surgical dissection is difficult. It is well known that incorrect staging can affect short- and long-term morbidity and mortality.