The evaluation of the sentinel node successfully conducted in a case of malignant melanoma of the vagina.

BACKGROUND

The sentinel node biopsy has been established as a standard procedure in many types of cancer. To date, only one case was reported for successful detection of the sentinel node using a radiopharmaceutical-directed mapping technique in malignant melanoma of the vagina.

CASE: An 81-year-old woman developed malignant melanoma arising from the lower third of the vagina. She underwent local resection of the tumor and exploration of the sentinel node using blue dye. The sentinel node was detected successfully in the groin, and was negative for metastasis. Intra-cavity irradiation was given as an adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

In view of relative ease and minimal trauma, sentinel node mapping could be a routine procedure in malignant melanoma arising from the vagina or vulva.