July 2010 |
790 |
VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 7 |
Copyright © 2010 |
Original Article |
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology |
July 2010 |
790 |
VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 7 |
Copyright © 2010 |
Original Article |
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology |
Discussing Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy With Your Melanoma Patients
Abstract
Sentinel lymph node biopsy, indicated for stage 1B/2 melanoma may be an underutilized diagnostic modality. Experts in the field agree that sentinel lymph node biopsy should be offered to patients with T1 melanomas with primary tumor ulceration, a mitotic rate greater than or equal to 1/mm2, and/or Clark level IV/V invasion especially if tumor thickness exceeds 0.75 mm. It is the responsibility of practitioners to characterize patients as eligible or non-eligible for the sentinel node procedure. Furthermore, it is important to obtain a fully informed consent and explain to patients the statistics of the progonostic information garnered by the test.