The utility of fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of melanoma metastatic to lymph nodes.
BACKGROUND
Prompt and accurate diagnosis of melanoma metastatic to the lymph nodes is important with respect to prognosis and treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the utility and diagnostic reliability of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of enlarged nodules in lymph node basins in patients with melanoma.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 46 patients with melanoma who underwent a total of 56 FNAs of palpable nodules in lymph node basins.


RESULTS
Of the 56 FNAs, 24 showed melanoma, 26 did not demonstrate melanoma, five were inadequate, and one gave inconclusive but suspect results. Findings were confirmed by open biopsy (n = 35) or clinical follow-up (n = 21). Fifty of 56 FNAs (89%) yielded a definitive diagnosis (sensitivity/specificity = 100% in these 50).


CONCLUSIONS
FNA biopsy of enlarged palpable nodules in nodal basins in patients with melanoma is accurate, rapid, and cost-efficient. An algorithm for management of patients with melanoma who have palpable nodes is provided.
Basler
G C
GC
Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
Fader
D J
DJ
Yahanda
A
A
Sondak
V K
VK
Johnson
T M
TM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*