title: Lymph node dissection for stage III melanoma.
abstract: Locoregional spread of melanoma to its draining lymph node basin is the strongest negative prognostic factor for patients. Exclusive of clinical trials, patients with sentinel lymph node-positive (microscopic) or clinically palpable (macroscopic) nodal disease should undergo lymphadenectomy. This article reviews the management and technical aspects of surgical care for regional metastases. Adjunct therapies (immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation) may supplement lymphadenectomy in certain patient populations. Surgical morbidity after lymphadenectomy can be substantial, creating opportunities for improvement via minimally invasive techniques or refined patient selection.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute-Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Maggie L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Diller
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute-Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute-Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: kdelman@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Keith A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Delman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Locoregional spread; Lymphadenectomy; Stage III melanoma; Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy