[Sentinel node procedure in head and neck cutaneous melanoma].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a debated procedure for cutaneous melanoma management.
• SLN biopsy presents significant challenges in head and neck localizations.
• The clinical benefits of the SLN protocol are not yet definitively proven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the experience of SLN biopsy in head and neck cutaneous melanoma.
• To evaluate the technique, implementation, and difficulties of SLN biopsy in this region.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients with head and neck malignant melanoma (2002-2006).
• Review of procedure technique, implementation, difficulties, outcomes, and complications.
• Inclusion of 19 patients.

Main Results:

• An average of 2.2 lymph nodes were localized per patient via lymphoscintigraphy.
• Biopsy was not possible for one patient due to an undetected deep spinal node.
• An average of 1.2 lymph nodes were biopsied per patient.
• One patient had micrometastases, and another experienced lymphorrhea.

Conclusions:

• Sentinel node biopsy is widely used for melanoma but remains optional for head and neck cases per French guidelines.
• Implementing SLN biopsy in the head and neck is challenging due to the intricate lymphatic system.
• Further evaluation is needed to establish the definitive benefits of SLN protocol in this area.