Ganglio centinela en el cáncer de endometrio: evaluación de la casuística institucional en el Hospital de la Mujer

Abstract

Introduction: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries, with a rising incidence associated with obesity and diabetes. In Uruguay, it ranks third in incidence among gynecologic cancers, after breast and cervical cancer. Lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic factors in this disease, as it influences prognosis and the need for adjuvant treatment. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is an alternative to systematic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer, with a lower incidence of complications and without compromising oncologic outcomes. Objective: To describe the results obtained using the sentinel lymph node technique in patients with endometrial cancer treated at Hospital de la Mujer «Dra. Paulina Luisi». Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, including patients with endometrial cancer assessed using the SLN technique between January 2022 and December 2023. Results: Forty-six patients were included, with a mean age of 56.2 years. The mean BMI was 34.9 kg/m². The detection rate was 87%. The SLN was identified bilaterally in 84.7% of cases and in at least one hemipelvis in 89%; the most frequent locations were the obturator and external iliac regions. Final histopathologic examination of the SLNs was positive in two cases. Conclusions: The SLN technique for endometrial cancer is applicable in our department, with detection rates similar to those reported in the international literature.