Biopsy of the Sentinel Lymph Node

Abstract

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy are standard components of the care of newly diagnosed patients with clinically localized intermediate- and high-risk melanoma. The procedures are the culmination of a long evolution of themanagement of regional lymph nodes in newly diagnosed patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is themost accurate staging method currently available and can be performed with limited morbidity. This staging information is of critical importance in an era of rapidly changing and improving systemic therapy. Alone or with completion lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy enhances regional disease control and appears to improve melanoma-specific survival for some patients. The sentinel lymph node also appears to be a potentiallyrich subject for investigations of melanomahost interactions.