title: Classification of the lymphatic drainage status of a primary tumour: a proposal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Creation of a classification of the lymphatic drainage status of a primary tumour. It shall enable comparison of different approaches, standardization and quality control.
  
  
  METHODS
  Identification and topographic localization of the sentinel node(s) using lymphatic radionuclide gamma camera imaging and/or gamma probe detection and/or vital dye mapping.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A classification comprising four classes (D-Class I-IV) and distinct subclasses (A-E) proved to be simply to be learned and applicable as well as reliably reproducible. It is based on the number of sentinel lymph nodes and their locations and can be combined with the pathological and molecular biological lymph node status. D-classes/subclasses obtained in 420 patients with malignant melanoma of the skin are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The classification is applicable to different approaches. Its diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic value should be studied prospectively in those primary tumours which preferably metastasis via their draining lymphatic vessels.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Berlin, Deutschland. dieter.munz@charite.de
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Munz
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maza
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ivancević
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Geworski
mesh_terms: D004282:Documentation; D015902:Gamma Cameras; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000379:methods