[Sentinel node biopsy in cutaneous malignant melanoma of the lower extremities]

Although a substantial number of patients with intermediate thickness cutaneous malignant melanoma (> 1.5-4 mm) have non-detectable regional node metastases, elective regional node dissection still remains controversial. One-three specific lymph node(s)--sentinel node(s)--in the first drained regional lymphatic basin can be visualised peroperatively by applying Patent V Blue intradermally at the site of the previous melanoma. Histological examination of the sentinel node can reveal metastases and therefore presumably give a more accurate oncological staging, thus enabling selection of patients who may benefit from elective regional node dissection. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience with this technique in 23 patients treated for cutaneous malignant melanoma of the lower extremity with a thickness > 1.5 mm. We found that sentinel node dissection, through a minimal surgical procedure, was efficient in detecting micrometastases in the regional lymph node(s).