Lymph node assessment and lymphadenectomy in prostate cancer.

The role of lymph node assessment for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer has significantly evolved over the last 20 years. The status of pelvic lymph nodes primarily served as a prognostic marker for prostate cancer. Improved methods in assessing the risk for cancer progression and metastasis have enhanced our ability to identify patients who require pelvic lymphadenectomy during radical prostatectomy. The status of pelvic lymph nodes is also being used to guide further treatments after surgery. Also, recent data has shown possible therapeutic benefit of lymphadenectomy in improving cancer specific survival.