Classification of the lymphatic drainage status of a primary tumour: a proposal

Aim: Creation of a classification of the lymphatic drainage status of a pri mary tumour. It shall enable comparison of different approaches, standardis ation and quality control. Methods: identification and topographic localisa tion of the sentinel node(s) using lymphatic radionuclide gamma camera imag ing and/or gamma probe detection and/or vital dye mapping. Results. A class ification comprising four classes (D-Class I-IV) and distinct subclasses (A -E) proved to be simply to be learned and applicable as well as reliably re producible. It is based on the number of sentinel lymph nodes and their loc ations and can be combined with the pathological and molecular biological l ymph node status. D-classes/subclasses obtained in 420 patients with malign ant melanoma of the skin ore presented. Conclusions: The classification is applicable to different approaches. its diagnostic, therapeutic and prognos tic value should be studied prospectively in those primary tumours which pr eferably metastasise via their draining lymphatic vessels.