title: Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsies.
abstract: Once melanoma cells leave the skin and travel to the lymph nodes, they have metastasized, thereby reducing chances for the patient's long-term, disease-free survival. Methods for tracing and removing lymph nodes include elective lymph node dissection, lymphoscintigraphy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. This article reviews the concepts, procedures, and effectiveness of these techniques.
authors.affiliation: Yale Melanoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ali-Salaam
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ariyan
mesh_terms: D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D011379:Prognosis; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*