[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma].

INTRODUCTION

In the Department of Plastic Surgery of Odense University Hospital patients having cutaneous melanoma from 1 to 4 mm underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate results and complications.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

During the first three years one hundred and sixteen patients underwent SLN biopsy, one patient was excluded from the study. All patients were operated in general anaesthesia and followed according to recommendations of the Danish Melanoma Group.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 16 months. 76% had negative SLN and 24% had positive SLN. No significant difference was recorded in median thickness in the two groups. In two patients SLN were false negative; in both patients the primary melanoma was located in the face. The complication rate was 8.5%.

DISCUSSION: We conclude that SLN biopsy is a reliable method in staging the regional lymph nodes and determining the need of elective lymphadenectomy and that our results match the ones of international standard.