BACKGROUND: The sentinel node biopsy has been established as a standard procedure in many types of cancer. To date, only one case was reported for successful detection of the sentinel node using a radiopharmaceutical-directed mapping technique in malignant melanoma of the vagina. CASE: An 81-year-old woman developed malignant melanoma arising from the lower third of the vagina. She underwent local resection of the tumor and exploration of the sentinel node using blue dye. The sentinel node was detected successfully in the groin, and was negative for metastasis. Intra-cavity irradiation was given as an adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: In view of relative ease and minimal trauma, sentinel node mapping could be a routine procedure in malignant melanoma arising from the vagina or vulva.
BACKGROUND: The sentinel node biopsy has been established as a standard procedure in many types of cancer. To date, only one case was reported for successful detection of the sentinel node using a radiopharmaceutical-directed mapping technique in malignant melanoma of the vagina. CASE: An 81-year-old woman developed malignant melanoma arising from the lower third of the vagina. She underwent local resection of the tumor and exploration of the sentinel node using blue dye. The sentinel node was detected successfully in the groin, and was negative for metastasis. Intra-cavity irradiation was given as an adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: In view of relative ease and minimal trauma, sentinel node mapping could be a routine procedure in malignant melanoma arising from the vagina or vulva.
Authors: Katalin Zámbó; Miklós Koppán; Adrián Paál; Erzsébet Schmidt; Hans-Rudolf Tinneberg; József Bódis Journal: Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging Date: 2003-09-11 Impact factor: 9.236