Ultrasound assessment of lymph nodes for staging of gynecological cancer: consensus opinion on terminology and examination technique

Abstract

The lymphatic pathway is an important route of metastasis in gynecological malignancy. Therefore, the examination of lymph nodes is an essential part of the ultrasound evaluation in patients with known or suspected gynecological malignancy. The lymph nodes most frequently involved in gynecological malignancy (apart from vulvar cancer) are parietal (retroperitoneal) and visceral abdominopelvic lymph nodes. In advanced disease, more distant lymph‐node regions, such as the inguinal, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, can also be involved. The standardized description of lymph nodes has been published previously by the Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) collaborative group. Herein, a collaborative group of gynecologists and gynecological oncologists with extensive ultrasound experience presents a systematic methodology for ultrasonographic lymph‐node assessment performed as part of the locoregional and distant work‐up to assess the extent of gynecological malignancy. The aim of this consensus opinion is also to describe the anatomical classification and drainage pathways of the lymphatic system as relevant to the gynecological organs. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.