The prognostic significance of micrometastases in node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

Abstract

Nodal involvement is one of the most significant prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 31 women with histologically node-negative SCC from a population-based cohort of Grampian women. Median follow-up was 42 months after radical vulvectomy with groin node dissection. In total, 13 women (42%) were found to have micrometastases on immunohistochemistry. The risk of recurrence was almost 20-fold higher in those with micrometastases compared to those without (hazard ratio ¼ 19.6 (95% CI 2.3 -171).

Ultrastaging of para-aortic lymph nodes in stage IIIC1 endometrial cancer: A preliminary report

“…A relationship between micrometastasis and an increased risk of recurrence has been shown in a number of malignant tumors including breast cancer [15], vulvar cancer [16], gastric cancer [17], esophageal cancer [18], and melanoma [19]. A relationship between micrometastasis in PANs and an increased risk of recurrence in endometrial cancer was not shown in the present study, probably due to the small number of patients.…”

Detection of carbonic anhydrase 9–expressing tumor cells in the lymph nodes of vulvar carcinoma patients by RT‐PCR

“…Present practice is mostly based on histopathologic evaluation of insufficient sensitivity to reliably detect micrometastases, whose presence has been demonstrated by cytokeratin immunohistochemistry as a significant prognostic factor in node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. 44 In the future, RT-PCR technology, which is even more sensitive as well as time-and cost-effective than immunohistochemistry, will likely serve as a useful supplement to clinical decision making in the accurate definition of regional lymph node status.…”

Sentinel node biopsy in vulvar cancer: Implications for staging

“…Nine women (29%) developed recurrent disease; eight were in the group with the micrometastases. Of the remaining 18 women without micrometastases, only one recurred (hazard ratio (HR) 19.6, CI 2.3e171) [53]. Micrometastases in this study were related to the development of recurrent disease.…”