[Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with high risk squamous cell carcinoma of the skin].
BACKGROUND
Some sub-groups of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) display a higher risk for regional metastasis. Sentinel lymph node staging has been used successfully to evaluate nodal metastasis in selective tumors.


OBJECTIVE
Assess the feasibility of sentinel node to detect occult regional lymph node metastasis in high-risk CSCC.


METHODS
Between January 2002 and March 2004, a total of 20 patients received pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymphadenectomy for high-risk CSCC with clinically non-palpable regional lymph nodes.


RESULTS
In one of each 5 patients (20%), sentinel lymph node showed histological evidence of microinvolvement. No patients with negative sentinel node showed tumor dissemination during follow-up, with a mean of 23.5 months (range 7-44).


CONCLUSIONS
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is technically feasible with low morbidity. Sentinel lymphadenectomy may play an important role in the management of high-risk CSCC with clinically non-palpable regional lymph nodes. This technique can help identify patients with regional lymph node metastases who may benefit from complete lymphadenectomy. This improved staging may allow clinicians to better stratify patients who might benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Reséndiz-Colosia
Jaime Alonso
JA
Servicio de Tumores de Cabeza, Cuello y Piel, Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, México, DF, México. resendizjaime@AOL.com
Valenzuela-Flores
Adriana Abigail
AA
Torres-Nuñez
Guadalupe
G
Valenzuela-Flores
Alma Gabriela
AG
Flores-Díaz
Rutilio
R
Gallegos-Hernández
Francisco José
FJ
Rodríguez-Cuevas
Sergio Arturo
SA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*