Intended for healthcare professionals

Sentinel node biopsy in the management of melanoma

Primary cutaneous melanoma is a skin tumour with an increasing incidence and a significant mortality rate. Lymph node involvement is an indicator of poor prognosis and can be investigated using the technique of sentinel node biopsy (SNB). The ‘sentinel’ lymph node (SLN), identified using dyes and radioactive colloids, is the first lymph-draining node from the site of the tumour. In this article, we discuss the technique of SNB and its role in the management of patients with melanoma.
Dermatology in practice 2010; 17(4): 8–11
To continue reading this article, please sign in or register.