Prediction of sentinel node status and clinical outcome in a melanoma centre.
Background. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard procedure for patients with localized cutaneous melanoma. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Melanoma Panel has reinforced the status of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) as an important prognostic factor for melanoma survival. We sought to identify predictive factors associated with a positive SLNB and overall survival in our population. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review of 221 patients who have done a successful SLNB for melanoma between 2004 and 2010 at our department. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. Results. The SLNB was positive in 48 patients (21.7%). Univariate analysis showed that male gender, increasing Breslow thickness, tumor type, and absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were significantly associated with a positive SLNB. Multivariate analysis confirmed that Breslow thickness and the absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are independently predictive of SLN metastasis. The 5-year survival rates were 53.1% for SLN positive patients and 88.2% for SLN negative patients. Breslow thickness and the SLN status independently predict overall survival. Conclusions. The risk factors for a positive SLNB are consistent with those found in the previous literature. In addition, the SLN status is a major determinant of survival, which highlights its importance in melanoma management.
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Vera
V
Teixeira
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Ricardo
R
Vieira
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Inês
I
Coutinho
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Rita
R
Cabral
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
David
D
Serra
Pathology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Maria José
MJ
Julião
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Maria Manuel
MM
Brites
Nuclear Medicine Department, Coimbra University Hospital, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Anabela
A
Albuquerque
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal ; Nuclear Medicine Department, Coimbra University Hospital, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
João Pedroso
JP
de Lima
Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal.
Américo
A
Figueiredo