Applicability of the sentinel node technique to Merkel cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) resembles malignant melanoma in several ways. Both are cutaneous lesions of the same embryonic origin. Both have an unpredictable biologic behavior, early regional lymph node involvement, early distant metastases, and high recurrence rate.


OBJECTIVE
To apply the sentinel node technique described for melanoma to MCC in light of the common biologic features of these two tumors.


METHODS
Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative lymphatic mapping, and sentinel node biopsy and frozen section histology were performed to guide the surgical treatment of three patients with MCC.


RESULTS
Application of this approach in patients with MCC is feasible, reproducible, and seems reliable.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the sentinel node technique for MCC will reduce the number of unnecessary lymphadenectomies, will enable identification of microscopic metastases to lymph nodes, and will improve the stratification and accrual of patients into adjuvant treatment protocols. It may even lead to a survival benefit.
Wasserberg
N
N
Department of Surgery B, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Schachter
J
J
Fenig
E
E
Feinmesser
M
M
Gutman
H
H
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003102:Colloids; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012211:Rhenium; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017556:Technetium Compounds
D003102:Colloids; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D017556:Technetium Compounds; C030576:technetium Tc 99m rhenium colloid; D012211:Rhenium