Metastatic incidence of (PET)CT positive lung hilar and retroperitoneal lymph nodes in esophageal cancer patients

Extra-regional lymph node metastases strongly determine treatment options in patients with esophageal cancer. Staging modalities such as (FDG-PET) CT scanning frequently show activity in retroperitoneal and lung hilar lymph nodes. This study evaluated the incidence of histologically confirmed metastases, treatment approach and recurrence patterns in patients with (FDG-PET) CT positivity in these regions. All patients with (FDG-PET-) CT positive hilar and/or retroperitoneal lymph nodes at primary staging or restaging discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board meeting for staging of esophageal cancer between January 2012–December 2017 were included. Biopsies and follow-up were evaluated to determine the presence of metastases and progression rates. From 2012 to 2017, 65 of 857 patients (7.6%) were selected with positive retroperitoneal and/or hilar lymph nodes. A total of 47/65 (72.3%) patients had positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes, which contained metastases in 19 (29.2%). When no biopsy was performed and curative treatment was given (n = 14), 9 patients had progression or locoregional and distant recurrence. Positive hilar lymph nodes were identified in 21 (32.3%) patients; 4 were biopsied and none contained metastases. In these patients no recurrence of disease was seen during follow-up. The majority of biopsied (PET)CT-positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes at staging contained metastases, while biopsied (PET)CT-positive hilar nodes did not. Histological evaluation of (PET)CT -positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes at staging imaging is recommended, while based on this small series, (PET)CT-positive hilar lymph nodes most likely represent reactive lymphadenopathy. •The majority of biopsied (PET)CT-positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes at staging contain metastases.•The majority of biopsied (PET)CT-positive lung hilar lymph nodes at staging do not contain metastases.•Histological confirmation of PET)CT -positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes at staging imaging is recommended.