[Sentinel node procedure in head and neck cutaneous melanoma].
BACKGROUND
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is frequently discussed in the management of cutaneous melanoma, especially in head and neck localizations where SLN biopsy is much more demanding. The benefits of SLN protocol are not proved yet. The aim of our study was to present our experience of SLN biopsy in head and neck cutaneous melanoma.


METHODS
This retrospective study included all patients managed for head and neck malignant melanoma from 2002 to 2006. We reviewed the technique, implementation and difficulties of the procedure, postoperative outcome, and complications.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients were included. An average of 2.2 lymph nodes were localized per patient using lymphoscintigraphy. Biopsy was impossible for one patient because the deep spinal node was not found. An average of 1.2 nodes was biopsied per patient. One patient presented with micrometastases. Another presented with lymphorrhea.


CONCLUSIONS
Sentinel node biopsy is widely performed in the management of cutaneous melanoma but remains an option for these indications in the last update of the French Society of Dermatology. SLN biopsy is difficult to implement because of the complexity of head and neck lymphatic system.
Service de Chirurgie Maxillofaciale et Stomatologie, Chirurgie Plastique, Esthétique et Réparatrice, Chirurgie de la Main, CHU de Dijon, 3, rue du Faubourg-Raines, BP 1519, 21033 Dijon, France.
M
M
Roche
A
A
Duvernay
S
S
Dalac
G
G
Malka
N
N
Zwetyenga
O
O
Trost
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult