Sentinel lymph node biopsy for head and neck melanomas.
BACKGROUND
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for head and neck (H&N) melanomas may be more technically challenging compared with other locations because of complex lymphatic drainage patterns. This analysis was performed to compare the results of SLN biopsy for H&N, truncal, and extremity melanomas.


METHODS
The Sunbelt Melanoma Trial includes patients aged 18 to 70 with melanomas > or = 1.0 mm thick. Statistical comparison was performed by chi2 or analysis of variance test.


RESULTS
A total of 2610 patients were evaluated with a median follow-up of 18 months. The mean number of SLN per nodal basin was 2.8, 2.7, and 2.1 for H&N, truncal, and extremity melanomas, respectively. Median Clark level, Breslow thickness, and percentage of ulceration were similar between the groups. Peri-parotid SLN was identified in 25% of cases; there were no facial nerve injuries. SLN biopsy for H&N melanoma had higher false-negative rates at 1.5% (vs. 0.5% for trunk or extremity) but less histologically positive SLN at 15% (vs. 23.4%, and 19.5%; P <.001) compared with truncal and extremity melanoma. Blue dye was visualized less frequently in SLN of H&N melanoma patients compared with those with trunk or extremity melanomas.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and meticulous intraoperative search for blue/radioactive nodes may improve results in H&N melanomas.
Chao
Celia
C
Division of Surgical Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
Wong
Sandra L
SL
Edwards
Michael J
MJ
Ross
Merrick I
MI
Reintgen
Douglas S
DS
Noyes
R Dirk
RD
Stadelmann
Wayne K
WK
Lentsch
Eric
E
McMasters
Kelly M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005121:Extremities; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery