Cutaneous melanoma: role of ultrasound in the assessment of locoregional spread.
This article illustrates the various aspects of locoregional spread of cutaneous melanoma, as imaged with grayscale ultrasound (US) and Doppler techniques. High-resolution US allows recognition of small, clinically occult melanomatous foci within the skin and lymph nodes. Consequently, it plays a major role in locoregional staging and follow-up of patients with cutaneous melanoma. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of US in the initial staging (primary melanoma, satellite metastasis, in-transit metastasis, and lymphadenopathy), selection for sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, patient follow-up, detection of recurrence, and US-guided intervention.
Catalano
Orlando
O
1st Department of Radiology, National Cancer Institute, "Fondazione G. Pascale," Naples, Italy. orlandcat@tin.it
Siani
Alfredo
A
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color