Sentinel lymph node staging of cutaneous melanoma: predictors and outcomes

Michelle C. Ellis, Roshanthi Weerasinghe, Christopher L. Corless, John T. Vetto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The authors updated their experience with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy of clinically node negative (N0) melanoma to clarify indications, predictive factors, and outcomes. Methods: A review of patients from the authors' institution's prospective database (n = 397) was performed; survival statistics were obtained from the institutional tumor registry. Results: The SLN-positive (SLN+) rate was 16% (47 of 282) for lesions >1 mm thick; only 2 of 105 T1 lesions were SLN+. Thickness >2 mm, upper extremity primary, and ulceration predicted SLN+ status. Most SLN+ patients underwent completion node dissection; 12% had additional positive nodes. The false-negative SLN biopsy rate was 4.0%; the majority involved lower extremity and head and neck primaries. The overall complication rate was 26%; all were minor and resolved within 6 months. Overall 5-year survival rates were 73% and 92% for SLN+ and SLN-negative patients, respectively. SLN status was the most significant predictor of survival. Conclusions: SLN status, the most important determinant of outcome for clinically N0 melanoma, correlated with T stage, ulceration, and site. Staging of T1 lesions had low yield. A minority of completion node dissections yielded additional positive nodes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)663-668
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume199
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2010

Keywords

  • Completion lymph node dissection
  • Complications
  • False negative
  • Melanoma
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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