title: Gamma-probe-guided lymph node localization in malignant melanoma.
abstract: The initial draining lymph node (sentinel node) has been successfully localized using intraoperative vital dye mapping and reportedly is predictive of regional nodal metastases in Clinical- Stage 1 melanoma. In an animal model, we previously established the technique of gamma-probe-guided localization of the technetium-99 sulfur colloid labelled sentinel node and found its sensitivity equal to vital dye mapping. We now report our initial experience using gamma-probe-guided localization to identify and then surgically remove the first draining lymph node(s) in 10 malignant melanoma patients. Lymphoscintigraphy was used to confirm localization. We conclude that this technique: (a) reliably localizes the sentinel node draining the site of a primary melanoma, (b) allows the lymphatic bed to be checked intraoperatively verifying complete sentinel node biopsy, and (c) is relatively simple and can be performed under local anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Alex
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Fairbank
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Rankin
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Krag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
chemical_list: D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid