title: Update on the use of sentinel node biopsy in patients with melanoma: who and how.
abstract: This review highlights the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma. The histopathologic status of the sentinel lymph node is acknowledged as the most powerful indicator of prognosis. Changes by the American Joint Committee for Cancer have not only incorporated the importance of ulceration in cutaneous melanoma, but have focused on the number of metastatic lymph nodes as well as whether the disease is macro- or micrometastatic. Specific technical aspects of the sentinel lymph node procedure are discussed, with emphasis on practical guidelines to minimize incorrect nodal staging.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
authors.forename: Celia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: Kelly M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: McMasters
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*