Final answer:
Vulvar cancer patients undergoing surgery can have a varied incidence of nodal metastases. The literature often cites estimates ranging from 20-30%, depending on several factors like the stage of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of patients undergoing surgery for vulvar cancer who are found to have nodal metastases (nodal mets) varies, and determining the exact percentage requires a look into current medical research and data. However, on a general note, the literature suggests an estimate that can range from 20-30% of vulvar cancer patients having nodal metastases at the time of surgery, although this number can fluctuate based on factors like the stage of the cancer and the presence of other medical conditions.
It's important to note that the presence of nodal mets is crucial for staging the disease and determining the prognosis and treatment plan. Therefore, accurate detection and management of lymph node involvement are key components when treating vulvar cancer.