Wide Local Excision and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma

Abstract

Wide local excision is performed for local control of both in situ and invasive melanomas. The width of recommended margin depends upon the Breslow thickness of the lesion, with narrow margins used for in situ lesions and 2.0 cm margins used for thick or high-risk melanomas. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used in selected clinically node-negative patients. This chapter discusses indications, operative strategy, and techniques for both. It includes information on preoperative and postoperative management as well as complications.