Management of node-positive melanoma in the era of sentinel node biopsy.
Regional lymph node metastasis is a powerful predictor of decreased overall survival from malignant melanoma. However, the therapeutic value of elective node dissections and the role of adjuvant therapy for node-positive disease have been highly controversial. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has reshaped the debate by allowing for staging of the regional lymph nodes with less morbidity and greater accuracy. This review summarizes the current consensus on the management of node-positive melanoma in the era of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
White
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Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3118, 27710, Durham, NC, USA.
Tyler
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D000465:Algorithms; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009017:Morbidity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016019:Survival Analysis