Question:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is most useful for which of the following gynaecological malignancies?

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Think which gynae cancer has simple, superficial, predictable inguinal drainage.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Carcinoma endometrium
  • Carcinoma cervix
  • Carcinoma vulva
  • Carcinoma vagina
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what a sentinel lymph node is. It is the first node that drains a tumour. If it is free of cancer, the rest of that nodal basin is very likely free too, so a full lymphadenectomy can be avoided along with its morbidity.

Step 2: Identify where this concept is best established in gynaecology. Vulvar carcinoma has a predictable, superficial lymphatic drainage to the inguinofemoral nodes, which can be mapped easily with blue dye and radiotracer. Full inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy causes severe wound breakdown and lifelong leg lymphoedema, so a reliable way to skip it is highly valuable.

Step 3: Apply this to early vulvar cancer. In early stage, unifocal vulvar carcinoma the sentinel node technique is validated and is the recommended approach, sparing many women from radical groin dissection.

Step 4: Eliminate the other sites. Endometrial cancer drainage is deep and more variable, and sentinel mapping there became standard only later. Cervical and vaginal lymphatic drainage is complex and multidirectional, making sentinel mapping far less reliable at the time and in general.

Answer: Carcinoma vulva (Option C).
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