BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) is a widely accepted procedure used to accurately stage patients with melanoma. Its value in patients with thick melanoma (Breslow thickness >4 mm) is reason for discussion because of the generally poor prognosis of these patients. The purpose of this study was to report on the incidence of SNB positivity in patients with thick melanoma and to analyze the prognostic value of SNB in these patients. METHODS: The prospective database of 248 patients with cutaneous melanoma, who underwent SNB in the Maaslandhospital Sittard between January 1994 and August 2007, was reviewed and completed. In 31 patients, SNB was performed for a thick melanoma. We analyzed survival (Kaplan-Meier) and survival differences (log-rank) in this group. RESULTS: In 64.5% of the patients with a thick melanoma, the SNB was positive. In our patients, SNB result was the only predictor for overall survival in patients with a thick melanoma (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: To be accurately informed about a patient's prognosis and to decide whether subsequent completion lymph node dissection is indicated, SNB should not be omitted in patients with a primary thick melanoma.
BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) is a widely accepted procedure used to accurately stage patients with melanoma. Its value in patients with thick melanoma (Breslow thickness >4 mm) is reason for discussion because of the generally poor prognosis of these patients. The purpose of this study was to report on the incidence of SNB positivity in patients with thick melanoma and to analyze the prognostic value of SNB in these patients. METHODS: The prospective database of 248 patients with cutaneous melanoma, who underwent SNB in the Maaslandhospital Sittard between January 1994 and August 2007, was reviewed and completed. In 31 patients, SNB was performed for a thick melanoma. We analyzed survival (Kaplan-Meier) and survival differences (log-rank) in this group. RESULTS: In 64.5% of the patients with a thick melanoma, the SNB was positive. In our patients, SNB result was the only predictor for overall survival in patients with a thick melanoma (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: To be accurately informed about a patient's prognosis and to decide whether subsequent completion lymph node dissection is indicated, SNB should not be omitted in patients with a primary thick melanoma.
Authors: C M Balch; S J Soong; J E Gershenwald; J F Thompson; D S Reintgen; N Cascinelli; M Urist; K M McMasters; M I Ross; J M Kirkwood; M B Atkins; J A Thompson; D G Coit; D Byrd; R Desmond; Y Zhang; P Y Liu; G H Lyman; A Morabito Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2001-08-15 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: Cristina R Ferrone; Katherine S Panageas; Klaus Busam; Mary Sue Brady; Daniel G Coit Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2002-08 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: K M Heaton; J J Sussman; J E Gershenwald; J E Lee; D S Reintgen; P F Mansfield; M I Ross Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 1998-06 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Juan Carlos Rodriguez Otero; Maria Susana Dagatti; Ramon Fernandez Bussy; Adriana Bergero; Mario Gorosito; Roberto Staffieri; Roberto Villavicencio; Stella Maris Batalles; Stella Maris Pezzotto Journal: World J Oncol Date: 2019-04-20