Can Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Predict Various Levels of Echelon Nodes in Oral Cancers?

Abstract Introduction The efficacy of sentinel node biopsy in early stage oral cancer is well established. Its evolving role can be reinforced by further studies. Objective Analyzing the predictability of the levels of echelon nodes for various oral cavity tumor subsites on sentinel node biopsy. Methods A prospective study of 20 patients with stage I/II oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent sentinel node biopsy-guided neck dissection between January 2017 and 2018 at our institute. The procedure included radiotracer injection, imaging (lymphoscintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography), and gamma probe application. Sentinel node detection on imaging and gamma probe were compared. Results Out of 20 patients, 13 (65%) had carcinoma of the tongue, 6 (30%) had buccal mucosa carcinoma, and 1 (5%) had retromolar trigone carcinoma. Themean age of the patients was 52.3 years. A total of 13 (65%) patients were male, and 7 (35%) were female. The sentinel node identification rates with imaging and gamma probe were of 70% and 100% respectively. In tongue and retromolar trigone primaries, the most common first-echelon nodes in both modalities were levels IIA and IB respectively. For buccal mucosa primaries, first-echelon nodes were detected only with the gamma probe, which was level IB. On imaging, second-echelon nodes were detected only for tongue primaries, and had equivalent incidence of levels II, III, and IV. On the gamma probe, level IIA, followed by III, and IV for the tongue, and level IIA were the most common second-echelon nodes for the buccal mucosa. Third-echelon nodes were detected only with the gamma probe for tongue carcinoma at level IV. Conclusion The combined use of imaging and gamma probe provides the best results, with high identification rate and predictability of echelon levels.

Successful Treatment in a Newborn Infant with Chylous Ascites and Chylous Hydrocele

Chyle only occurs in the peritoneal cavity or around the pericardium through damage to the lymph nodes or improper drainage of the lymph and is characterized by a colostrum-like color and being rich in triglyceride. We encountered a case of a newborn infant with abdominal distention and further diagnosed chylous ascites and hydrocele by inspecting and analyzing the fluid obtained from the abdominal cavity and scrotum. Additionally, a lymphoscintigraphy was performed, which showed a decrease in the uptake of radioactive isotopes in the left iliac nodes and a delayed appearance. Here, we report a case of chyle diagnosed through puncture analysis and its subsequent successful treatment.

Sentinel Lymph Node Centered Selective Neck Dissection Does Not Have Benefits Over Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection in Patients with cT1T2N0 Tongue Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sentinel node centered selective neck dissection in patients with early stage tongue cancer (T1T2N0). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Lymphoscintigraphy was performed for 12 patients, subsequently followed by sentinel node centered selective neck dissection. The location of the sentinel node, pathological confirmation of node metastasis, and follow-up recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 19 sentinel lymph nodes were identified. Of these, 18 were located in levels I to III, and one in level IV. After surgery, 3 patients (25%) were diagnosed with neck node metastasis: two experienced sentinel node metastasis and one experienced skipped metastasis. During follow-up, 3 of the 12 patients (25%) experienced recurrence. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of lymph node could be covered with supraomohyoid neck dissection, which indicates that it has superiority over sentinel node centered selective neck dissection in preventing recurrence in T1T2N0 tongue cancer patients.

Management of sentinel lymph nodes in lower extremity melanoma with dual-basin (inguinal and popliteal) drainage on lymphoscintigraphy

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical outcomes of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in lower extremity melanoma with dual-basin drainage on lymphoscintigraphy.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with lower extremity melanoma who underwent lymphoscintigraphy and SLN biopsy in a single center between 2006 and 2015. Gamma probe was used to detect SLNs. For dual-basin drainage, we regarded a basin that showed a two-fold greater radioactivity value than the others as a ‘dominant’ basin. SLN biopsy was performed only for the dominant basin. If two basins showed similar radioactivity, biopsy was conducted for both.RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, and 29 dual (popliteal, inguinal) drainages were found. Of the 29 melanomas with dual drainage, seven showed similar radioactivity on both basins, 22 showed inguinal as the dominant basin and no melanoma had a dominant popliteal basin. Among the seven patients who underwent dual-basin biopsy, six had negative results, all of which experienced no recurrence during follow-up. Among the 22 patients who underwent biopsy of the dominant inguinal basin, 19 had negative results. During the follow-up, these patients showed six recurrences, but none of them experienced popliteal recurrence. All three patients who had tumor-positive inguinal node experienced recurrence in the popliteal basin as well as at other sites.CONCLUSION: For melanomas showing dual-basin drainage on lymphoscintigraphy, performing SLN biopsy only on the dominant (inguinal) basin is reliable when the dominant basin shows negative results. However, considering the recurrence pattern of our data, a tumor-positive dominant basin should prompts an SLN biopsy of the other basin.

Unusual Contralateral Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in a Second Primary Breast Cancer Detected by FDG PET/CT and Lymphoscintigraphy / 대한핵의학회잡지

Contralateral metastatic axillary lymph nodes in a patient with breast cancer is a rare condition. Here, we present a 55-year-old woman with a second primary breast cancer. The patient underwent ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) for staging work-up. Additionally, preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed to detect sentinel lymph nodes. FDG PET/CT demonstrated increased FDG uptake in the left nipple and right axillary lymph nodes. Lymphoscintigraphy identified the right axillary lymph nodes which was consistent with the FDG PET/CT findings. This case emphasizes the usefulness of FDG PET/CT and lymphoscintigraphy for identifying unpredictable contralateral axillary lymph node metastasis from a second primary breast cancer.

Value of imaging examinations in treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis with chylothorax by thoracic duct extremity exploration / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To evaluate the value of imaging examinations in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with chylothorax by thoracic duct extremity exploration.Methods Data of 34 LAM with chylothorax confirmed by pathology and clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy and CT lymphangiography (CTL).Thoracic duct lesion types of 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy were type Ⅰ (abnormal concentration pattern),type Ⅱ (ectopic drainage pattern),and type Ⅲ (without image or transient image pattern).The type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ were diagnosed as thoracic duct abnormalities.Thoracic duct lesion types of CTL were type Ⅰ (dilatation pattern),type Ⅱ (distal obstruction pattern),type l (truck constriction pattern),type Ⅳ (ectopic drainage pattern),and type Ⅴ (no-display pattern).Type Ⅰ-Ⅳ were diagnosed as thoracic duct abnormalities.Consistency of displaying thoracic duct abnormalities between 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy and CTL was evaluated.Results The thoracic duct abnormalities in 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy were 58.82％ (20/34;type Ⅰ in 17,type Ⅱ in 3,type Ⅲ in 14),and in CTL were 73.53％ (25/34;type Ⅰ in 15,type Ⅱ in 3,type Ⅲ in 5,type Ⅳ in 2,type Ⅴ in 9).The consistency of CTL and 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy for detecting thoracic duct abnormalities was good (Kappa=0.679).In CTL thoracic duct types,type Ⅰ and Ⅱ were operated by thoracic duct-venous anastomosis or thoracic duct extremity release operation,type Ⅲ was operated by thoracic duct adhesion or compression band release operation,operative approach and method were chosen according to the abnormal thoracic duct flow path in type Ⅳ,type Ⅴ was took conservative treatment.Conclusion CTL is superior to 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy,which can clearly display the type of thoracic duct lesion and provide imaging informations to choose operation methods in thoracic duct exploration treatment for LAM with chylothorax.

Value of imaging examinations in treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis with chylothorax by thoracic duct extremity exploration / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To evaluate the value of imaging examinations in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with chylothorax by thoracic duct extremity exploration.Methods Data of 34 LAM with chylothorax confirmed by pathology and clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy and CT lymphangiography (CTL).Thoracic duct lesion types of 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy were type Ⅰ (abnormal concentration pattern),type Ⅱ (ectopic drainage pattern),and type Ⅲ (without image or transient image pattern).The type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ were diagnosed as thoracic duct abnormalities.Thoracic duct lesion types of CTL were type Ⅰ (dilatation pattern),type Ⅱ (distal obstruction pattern),type l (truck constriction pattern),type Ⅳ (ectopic drainage pattern),and type Ⅴ (no-display pattern).Type Ⅰ-Ⅳ were diagnosed as thoracic duct abnormalities.Consistency of displaying thoracic duct abnormalities between 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy and CTL was evaluated.Results The thoracic duct abnormalities in 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy were 58.82％ (20/34;type Ⅰ in 17,type Ⅱ in 3,type Ⅲ in 14),and in CTL were 73.53％ (25/34;type Ⅰ in 15,type Ⅱ in 3,type Ⅲ in 5,type Ⅳ in 2,type Ⅴ in 9).The consistency of CTL and 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy for detecting thoracic duct abnormalities was good (Kappa=0.679).In CTL thoracic duct types,type Ⅰ and Ⅱ were operated by thoracic duct-venous anastomosis or thoracic duct extremity release operation,type Ⅲ was operated by thoracic duct adhesion or compression band release operation,operative approach and method were chosen according to the abnormal thoracic duct flow path in type Ⅳ,type Ⅴ was took conservative treatment.Conclusion CTL is superior to 99Tcm-DX lymphoscintigraphy,which can clearly display the type of thoracic duct lesion and provide imaging informations to choose operation methods in thoracic duct exploration treatment for LAM with chylothorax.

Magnetic resonance in chylous leakage of female reproductive system / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance thoracic ductography (MRTD)and magnetic resonance (MR) pelvic scanning in the chylous leakage of female reproductive system.Methods A retrospective evaluation of the imaging findings of MRTD and MR pelvic in 7 patients was performed,and compared with direct lymphangiography (DLG),lymphoscintigraphy and surgery.Results The rate of thoracic duct visualization in DLG was 71 .4% (5/7 ).The rate of venous angle visualization inlym-phoscintigraphy was 71.4% (5/7).The rate of thoracic duct visualization in MRTD was 100% (7/7).Except for 1 case withgeneral-ly normal findings,the remaining 6 cases showedobstruction of the thoracic duct in MRTD.Among those cases,bilateral drainage was found in 1 case,right thoracic ductwas seen in 1 case,multiple tortuous dilated lymphatic channelsaround the venous angle was detected in 4 cases,and multiple lymphangiomas was seen in 1 case.All of the 7 patients were conducted by surgery.6 cases were confirmed as obstruction of the thoracic duct.MRTD & MR pelvic found more multiple lymphangiomas lesions and detected 2 cases with bone abnormalities.Conclusion MRTD combined with MR pelvic could provide more comprehensive assessment of female re-productive system chylous leakage.It should be used as routine examination before operation.

The diagnostic value of magnetic resonance thoracic ductography in right thoracic duct / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of magnetic resonance thoracic ductography (MRTD)in the diagnosis of right thoracic duct.Methods MRTD data were analyzed retrospective,and the detection rate of right thoracic duct was summarized and compared with that of lymphoscintigraphy,direct lymphangiography and operation.Results 12 cases of right thoracic duct were detected in 1547 cases of MRTD.The detection rate was 0.78%,in which 1 case was complied with total internal organs inversion,and 1 case with right aortic arch.Lymphoscintigraphy were performed in all 12 cases and right thoracic duct were detected in 4 cases.Direct lymphangiography were performed in 4 cases and right thoracic duct were observed in all of them.7 cases of them received right lum-bar duct adhesiolysis.Conclusion MRTD is a noninvasive method for diagnosis of right thoracic duct,which providing useful guid-ance for surgical operation.Its detection rate and diagnostic accuracy are higher than those of lymphoscintigraphy.

Concordant Surgical Treatment: Non-melanocytic Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Of the 4 million skin lesions excised annually worldwide, approximately 2 million are considered cancerous. In this study, we aimed to describe a regional experience with skin cancers treated by a single senior surgeon and to provide a treatment algorithm. METHODS: The medical records of 176 patients with head and neck non-melanocytic skin cancer (NMSC) who were treated by a single surgeon at our institution between January 2010 and May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, and their data (age, sex, pathological type, tumor location/size, treatment modality) were analyzed. Patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) who were classified as a high-risk group for nodal metastasis underwent sentinel node mapping according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. RESULTS: Among the patients with NMSC who were treated during this period, basal cell carcinoma (BCC; n=102, 57.9%) was the most common pathological type, followed by cSCC (n=66, 37.5%). Most lesions were treated by complete excision, with tumor-free surgical margins determined via frozen section pathology. Thirty-one patients with high-metastasis-risk cSCC underwent sentinel node mapping, and 17 (54.8%) exhibited radiologically positive sentinel nodes. Although these nodes were pathologically negative for metastasis, 2 patients (6.5%) later developed lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION: In our experience, BCC treatment should comprise wide excision with tumor-free surgical margins and proper reconstruction. In contrast, patients with cSCC should undergo lymphoscintigraphy, as nodal metastases are a possibility. Proper diagnosis and treatment could reduce the undesirably high morbidity and mortality rates.

Quantitative Lymphoscintigraphy to Predict the Possibility of Lymphedema Development After Breast Cancer Surgery: Retrospective Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE: To predict the probability of lymphedema development in breast cancer patients in the early post-operation stage, we investigated the ability of quantitative lymphoscintigraphic assessment. METHODS: This retrospective study included 201 patients without lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer surgery. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed between 4 and 8 weeks after surgery to evaluate the lymphatic system in the early postoperative stage. Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy was performed using four methods: ratio of radiopharmaceutical clearance rate of the affected to normal hand; ratio of radioactivity of the affected to normal hand; ratio of radiopharmaceutical uptake rate of the affected to normal axilla (RUA); and ratio of radioactivity of the affected to normal axilla (RRA). During a 1-year follow-up, patients with a circumferential interlimb difference of 2 cm at any measurement location and a 200-mL interlimb volume difference were diagnosed with lymphedema. We investigated the difference in quantitative lymphoscintigraphic assessment between the non-lymphedema and lymphedema groups. RESULTS: Quantitative lymphoscintigraphic assessment revealed that the RUA and RRA were significantly lower in the lymphedema group than in the non-lymphedema group. After adjusting the model for all significant variables (body mass index, N-stage, T-stage, type of surgery, and type of lymph node surgery), RRA was associated with lymphedema (odds ratio=0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.46; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients in the early postoperative stage after unilateral breast cancer surgery, quantitative lymphoscintigraphic assessment can be used to predict the probability of developing lymphedema.

The preparation and experimental study of a new sentinel lymph node tracer / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Sentinel lymph node biopsy is regarded as the standard of care in pa-tients without clinical axillary lymph node metastases in early-stage breast cancer. Accurate detection of sentinel lymph node is an important step for staging, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, a new sentinel lymph node tracer was produced by the rituximab to combine with the lfuorescence tracer (indocyanine green, ICG), and to identify the most appropriate combination ratio of the two agents. Its biological property and safety limitation were evaluated.Methods:Rituximab was combined directly with ICG. The new tracer was analyzed for labeled rate by instant thin-layer chroma-tography-silica gel, molecular integrity by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular immune activity by ELLAS. The safety limitation was tested according to the Chinese Pharmacopeia. The localization ability of sentinel lymph node was tested in mice.Results:The new tracer was intact and kept the immune activity of rituximab. The ICG labeled rate of rituximab was 100%. The new tracer was bacteria and pyogen free, and was safe to body with location injection. The most appropriate combination ratio of rituximab and ICG was 4∶1 and 6∶1 with the best sentinel lymph node imaging. The location of sentinel lymph node identiifed by the new tracer was accorded with the radiotracer.Conclusion:The preparation method of the new sentinel lymph node tracer is simple and no radioactive injury. The new tracer has no bacteria, no pyogen and no acute toxicity, and can be used in sentinel lymph node visual-ization.

Application of sentinel lymph node tracer techniques in prostate caner / 中华男科学杂志

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first node receiving lymphatic drainage of a tumor and best reflects tumor metastasis. Whether there is a micrometastasis in SLN determines the choice of pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer and is closely related to later treatment and prognosis. Therefore, precise localization of SLN is essential. This review discusses the application of SLN tracer techniques, such as preoperative imaging and intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy and localization of SLN, in prostate cancer.

Size Control of 99mTc-tin Colloid Using PVP and Buffer Solution for Sentinel Lymph Node Detection

Colloidal particle size is an important characteristic that allows mapping sentinel nodes in lymphoscintigraphy. This investigation aimed to introduce different ways of making a 99mTc-tin colloid with a size of tens of nanometers. All agents, tin fluoride, sodium fluoride, poloxamer-188, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were mixed and labeled with 99mTc. Either phosphate or sodium bicarbonate buffers were used to adjust the pH levels. When the buffers were added, the size of the colloids increased. However, as the PVP continued to increase, the size of the colloids was controlled to within tens of nanometers. In all samples, phosphate buffer added PVP (30 mg) stabilized tin colloid (99mTc-PPTC-30) and sodium bicarbonate solution added PVP (50 mg) stabilized tin colloid (99mTc-BPTC-50) were chosen for in vitro and in vivo studies. 99mTc-BPTC-50 (100 nm) mainly accumulated in the liver. When a rabbit was given a toe injection, the node uptake of 99mTc-PPTC-30 decreased over time, while 99mTc-BPTC-50 increased. Therefore, 99mTc-BPTC-50 could be a good candidate radiopharmaceutical for sentinel node detection. The significance of this study is that nano-sized tin colloid can be made very easily and quickly by PVP.

Primary Lymphedema of the Lower Limb: The Clinical Utility of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/CT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the additional use of the single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) technique improves the diagnostic value of planar lymphoscintigraphy in patients presenting with primary lymph edema of the lower limb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For a defined period of three years (April 2011-April 2014) a total of 34 consecutive patients (28 females; age range, 27-83 years) presenting with swelling of the leg(s) suspicious of (uni- or bilateral, proximal or distal) primary lymphedema were prospectively examined by planar lymphoscintigraphy (lower limbs, n = 67) and the tomographic SPECT/CT technique (anatomical sides, n = 65). RESULTS: In comparison to pathological planar scintigraphic findings, the addition of SPECT/CT provided relevant additional information regarding the presence of dermal backflow (86%), the anatomical extent of lymphatic disorders (64%), the presence or absence of lymph nodes (46%), and the visualization of lymph vessels (4%). CONCLUSION: As an adjunct to planar lymphoscintigraphy, SPECT/CT specifies the anatomical correlation of lymphatic disorders and thus improves assessment of the extent of pathology due to the particular advantages of tomographic separation of overlapping sources. The interpretation of scintigraphic data benefits not only in baseline diagnosis, but also in physiotherapeutical and microsurgical treatments of primary lymphedema.

Validity of Quantitative Lymphoscintigraphy as a Lymphedema Assessment Tool for Patients With Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of quantitative lymphoscintigraphy as a useful lymphedema assessment tool for patients with breast cancer surgery including axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: We recruited 72 patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery that included ALND. Circumferences in their upper limbs were measured in five areas: 15 cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle (LE), the elbow, 10 cm distal to the LE, the wrist, and the metacarpophalangeal joint. Then, maximal circumference difference (MCD) was calculated by subtracting the unaffected side from the affected side. Quantitative asymmetry indices (QAI) were defined as the radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios of the affected side to the unaffected side. Patients were divided into 3 groups by qualitative lymphoscintigraphic patterns: normal, decreased function, and obstruction. RESULTS: The MCD was highest in the qualitative obstruction (2.76+/-2.48) pattern with significant differences from the normal (0.69+/-0.78) and decreased function (1.65+/-1.17) patterns. The QAIs of the axillary LNs showed significant differences among the normal (0.82+/-0.29), decreased function (0.42+/-0.41), and obstruction (0.18+/-0.16) patterns. As the QAI of the axillary LN increased, the MCD decreased. The QAIs of the upper limbs were significantly higher in the obstruction (3.12+/-3.07) pattern compared with the normal (1.15+/-0.10) and decreased function (0.79+/-0.30) patterns. CONCLUSION: Quantitative lymphoscintigraphic analysis is well correlated with both commonly used qualitative lymphoscintigraphic analysis and circumference differences in the upper limbs of patients with breast cancer surgery with ALND. Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy may be a good alternative assessment tool for diagnosing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery with ALND.

Postmastectomy/Axillary Node Dissection Chyloma: The Additional Value of SPECT/CT Lymphoscintigraphy / 한국유방암학회지

After mastectomy and axillary node dissection, chylous leakage is rare. However, considerable anatomical variation in the termination of the thoracic duct has been reported. Hence, during breast surgery, injury to the lateral terminating branch is not unlikely and might lead to retrograde chyle leak. Herein, we describe a patient who had a chylous leakage at her wound site after a left simple mastectomy and axillary node dissection and for whom lymphoscintigraphy with Tc-99m albumin nanocolloid was performed. In this case, additional hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography study was done, and has helped with the accurate identification of the chyle leakage site, thus aiding in surgical management.

A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Metastasis to Sentinel Lymph Node and Regional Lymph Node Confirmed by Lymphoscintigraphy / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Avaliação do linfonodo sentinela no tratamento do melanoma cutâneo: sistematização de técnica com linfocintigrafia e azul patente / Sentinel lymph node evaluation in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma: systematization of a technique using lymphoscintigraphy and patent blue

Melanoma incidence has been increasing worldwide. For localized melanoma, the status of the sentinel lymph node is the most important prognostic factor. This study aimed to evaluate the systematization of a technique to identify the sentinel lymph node anatomically by using lymphoscintigraphy and patent blue. Method: A total of 12 cases were studied between March 2009 and March 2012. The treatment protocol followed criteria established by the Brazilian Group of Melanoma. Patients were evaluated for age, sex, thickness of the primary lesion, localization of drainage site ofthe sentinellymph node,and presence ofmetastases. Results: The majority of patients were male and the mean age was 49.7 years. The types of thickness most frequently found were Breslow thickness 0- 1 mm and Clark levei lI. Ali of the dissected lymph nodes were stained with patent blue. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph nodes were negative for metastases. Conclusions: The combined use of lymphoscintigraphy and patent blue allows for the precise localization of the sentinel lymph node, with a fast learning curve for surgeons, and low operative morbidity.

A incidência do melanoma vem aumentando em todo o mundo. O status do linfonodo sentinela é o fator prognóstico mais importante para o melanoma localizado. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a sistematização da técnica de identificação anatômica do linfonodo sentinela com o uso de linfocintigrafia e azul patente. Método: Foram estudados 12 casos no período de março de 2009 a março de 2012. O protocolo de tratamento seguiu os critérios do Grupo Brasileiro de Melanoma. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto a idade, sexo, espessura da lesão primária, localização dos sítios de drenagem do linfonodo sentinela, e presença de metástases. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e a média de idade era de 49,7 anos. Em relação à espessura, os tipos mais encontrados foram 0-1 mm de Breslow e nível II de Clark. Todos os linfonodos dissecados foram corados por azul patente. A análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica dos linfonodos foi negativa para metástases. Conclusões: O uso combinado de linfocintigrafia e azul patente permite a localização precisa do linfonodo sentinela, com rápida curva de aprendizado e baixa morbidade operatória.

Ganglio centinela para estadios tempranos en cáncer de cuello uterino

Objetivo: Determinar la factibilidad y seguridad del ganglio centinela (GC) con el uso combinado del mapeo linfático con Tc 99 y la inyección de colorante azul (patent blue) en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix temprano sometidas a histerectomía radical con linfadenectomía pélvica bilateral. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo. Institución: Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Pacientes con cáncer temprano de cuello uterino. Intervenciones: Entre diciembre de 2003 y diciembre de 2006, 66 pacientes con cáncer temprano de cuello estadios IA2 (n=2), IB1 (n=63) y IIA (n=1) fueron sometidas a detección del ganglio linfático centinela con linfoscintigrafía el día previo a la operación y mapeo linfático intraoperatorio con colorante azul y sonda detectora de radiación gama. El tratamiento quirúrgico se completó con la realización de la histerectomía radical y linfadenectomía pélvica bilateral, por laparotomía. Principales medidas de resultados: Detección de ganglios centinelas. Resultados: En las 66 pacientes estudiadas se detectó 136 ganglios centinelas, con un promedio de 2,06 por paciente. Se utilizó el método combinado (Tc 99 y patent blue). La localización más frecuente fue la región obturatriz con un 69,9% (n=95). Se halló metástasis en los ganglios pélvicos en 11 pacientes, que fueron correctamente localizadas en el ganglio centinela con una sensibilidad de 100%. Cuando el ganglio centinela fue negativo, no se encontró metástasis en los ganglios no centinela (VPN 100%). Conclusiones: La identificación del ganglio centinela con tecnecio-99 combinado con la inyección de colorante azul es factible y mostró un valor predictivo negativo de 100%.

Objective: To determine sentinel node (SN) detection feasibility and safety by using lymphatic mapping with 99m Tc Dextrán and injection of blue dye (patent blue) in patients with early cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, Lima, Peru. Participants: Patients with early cervical cancer. Interventions: Between December 2003 and December 2006, 66 patients with early cervical cancer stages IA2 (n = 2), IB1 (n = 63) and IIA (n = 1) underwent sentinel lymph node detection with lymphoscintigraphy the day before operation and intraoperative lymphatic mapping with blue dye and gamma radiation detection probe. Surgical treatment was completed with radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy by laparotomy. Main outcome measures: Sentinel node detection. Results: One hundred and thirty-six sentinel nodes were detected in all 66 patients, average 2.06 per patient, by using the combined method 99m Tc dextrán and patent blue. Most common location was the obturator region in 69.9% of cases (n = 95). Pelvic lymph node metastases were found by the sentinel node in 11 patients (sensitivity of 100%). In negative sentinel node cases (55 patients) no metastases were encountered (negative predictive value, NPV = 100%). Conclusions: Sentinel node identification using 99m technetium Dextrán and blue dye injection is feasible and had a negative predictive value of 100%.