[The surgical concept of malignant melanoma with special reference to lymphatic drainage scintigraphy]

Scintigraphy of the lymphatic vessels was performed in 29 patients with malignant melanoma of the skin (stage I) prior to operation. In 20 cases this procedure was a means of determining the course of the lymphatic vessels leading from the tumor to the respective lymphatic nodules. The lymphatic vessels were indicated by marks on the skin surface and could thus be taken into consideration in the surgical procedure. The parts of the lymphatic vessels adjacent to the tumor were removed without substantially prolonging the operation. This procedure is intended to help minimize the risk of metastases evolving.