Preoperative Spect-Ct Visualization of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Patients With Cervical Cancer: Preliminary Analysis of the Data

Abstract

Purpose: to determine preoperative SPECT-CT localization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in women with cervical cancer. Materials and methods: SPECT-CT visualization of SLN was performed in 44 women with clinical stage IB-IIB cervical cancer. SPECT-CT examinations started 120-240 min after peritumoural injections of 99mTc-radiocolloids (200-300MBq in 0.4-1ml). All visualized LNs with uptake of radiocolloids were regarded as SLN. In all women we determined topography of SLN and lymph-flow patterns. Results: SLN were successfully visualized in 93.1% cases (41/44 women). The bilateral pattern of lymph flow was mentioned in 26 (63.4%), monolateral - in 15 (36.5%) cases. SLN localized in external iliac region in 25 (60.9%), internal iliac - in 14 (34.1%), obturator - in 22 (53.6%), presacral - in 1 (2.4%), common iliac region - in 21 (53,8%) cases. Uptake of radiocolloids in paraaortal lymph nodes was mentioned in 14 (34.1%) women Conclusion: SPECT-CT visualization of SLN can give important information for surgery and radiotherapy planning.