LYMPHATIC MAPPING AND SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-RISK MELANOMA

We review sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with high-risk melano ma. This method of selective lymphadenectomy provides valuable staging information about the regional lymphatics without the need of prophyl actic complete lymph node dissection. Only patients with micrometastas es are candidates for complete lymph node dissection. This avoids, iii nearly 85% of patients, the morbidity of the more extensive procedure . In addition, sentinel lymph node-positive patients may qualify for a djuvant therapy protocols. Whether this surgical approach ultimately r esults in a survival advantage awaits the results of a National Cancer Institute-sponsored national multicenter trial.