PROSPECTIVE VALIDATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL TUMOR STAGE AND GRADE AS A PREDICTIVE FACTOR FOR OCCULT LYMPH NODE MICROMETASTASIS IN PATIENTS WITH PENILE CARCINOMA AND CLINICALLY NEGATIVE INGUINAL LYMPH NODES

Abstract

The predictive value of the association of local tumor stage and grade for occult lymph node micrometastasis was validated in a prospective study. This factor allows the differentiation of 3 risk groups of patients with high reliability in the low and high risk groups. However, other prognostic factors are needed in the intermediate risk group to improve the prediction of lymph node involvement.