Abstract
Introduction: Groin node status is the most important prognostic factor in vulval squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a safe alternative to formal groin dissection in early-stage vulval SCC and can avoid disabling complications. However, failure to accurately assess the nodes can potentially lead to recurrence and early death. SLN biopsy has been widely in use since 2008 but there is still no international consensus around a standardised pathology protocol; we wanted to survey practices across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Method: After literature review, we designed a survey to capture pathologists’ recollections of local pathology protocols and workload. The survey was distributed via email and advertised in RCPA newsletters.
Results: Fifteen laboratories from 10 geographical locations across Australia and New Zealand responded. There is wide variation in practice with at least 9 different ultrastaging protocols in use and huge variability in number of slides generated. Forty percent of laboratories do not cut through the whole lymph node and 27% do not do immunohistochemistry on every level.
Conclusions: We recommend standardising protocols to maximise patient safety, enable easier comparison of outcomes between centres and to aim for equity and efficient use of resources.
E-poster presentation.