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Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Tumour regression does not increase the risk of sentinel node involvement in thin melanomas
Roberto Cecchi1, Mario Pavesi, Lauro Buralli
1Department of Dermatology, Ospedale di Pistoia, Pistoia.
Chirurgia Italiana
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Histological regression in thin melanomas does not predict lymph node metastasis. This study suggests routine sentinel lymph node biopsy is not justified for thin melanomas with regression.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Conflicting data exists on the relationship between tumor regression and nodal metastasis in thin melanomas (Breslow thickness ≤ 1 mm).
- Histological regression is a common finding in thin melanomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if histological regression predicts lymph node metastasis in thin melanomas.
- To evaluate the utility of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 59 patients with thin melanomas undergoing lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Mean Breslow thickness was 0.60 mm; 76.3% showed histological regression.
- Sentinel lymph node metastasis was assessed.
Main Results:
- Only 2 out of 59 patients (3.4%) had sentinel lymph node metastases.
- Of those with positive nodes, only one had tumor regression.
- The sentinel lymph node positivity rate in thin regressing melanomas was 2.2%.
Conclusions:
- Tumor regression is not a reliable predictor of sentinel lymph node metastasis in thin melanomas.
- Routine lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy may not be warranted for thin melanomas presenting with regression.
- Further research may be needed to refine risk stratification for thin melanomas.
