Mednet Logo

Can the inguinal and pelvic nodal RT be omitted for FIGO IVA unresectable vulvar cancer with a negative bilateral inguinal nodal dissection?

If bilateral inguinal LND showed no involved nodes and primary is unresectable (FIGO IVA), can one treat only the primary w/o elective radiation to the regional lymphatics?
3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · University of Kentucky
Answered on

In my opinion, the answer is a qualified "yes." Has the patient had a PET scan that is negative, except for the primary vulvar lesion? If so, this argues in favor of omitting inguinal and pelvic LN's since the negative predictive value of PET for adenopathy in gyn cancers is consistently reported to...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Radiation Oncology · Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Answered on

FIGO Stage IVA can either be N3 disease (not the case here given pN0) or T3, suggesting potential invasion into the rectum, bladder, upper part of the vagina, or upper urethra. It can also signify invasion into the pelvic bone.

While the patient did have a bilateral inguinal dissection, pelvic lymph...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · University of Minnesota Medical School
Answered on

I completely agree, especially since she had a negative groin dissection.

The incidence of lymphedema after both a groin dissection and postoperative radiotherapy is very high and can be debilitating.

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer