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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (Melanoma)

Biopsy of the first draining lymph node in melanoma, guided by radioisotope and blue dye.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (Melanoma)?

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive staging technique for cutaneous melanoma that uses radioisotope (technetium-99m) and / or patent blue dye to identify and biopsy the first lymph node draining a primary tumor.

It is indicated for intermediate-thickness melanoma (Breslow 0.8 to 4 mm) and for high-risk thin melanomas with ulceration or significant mitotic activity. Lymphatic mapping uses lymphoscintigraphy, and the sentinel node is localized intraoperatively with a gamma probe.

A positive SLNB upgrades the patient to AJCC stage III and is a major prognostic determinant. A negative biopsy minimizes the risk of regional nodal recurrence.

Symptoms

Melanoma with Breslow thickness between 0.8 and 4 mm
Ulcerated thin melanoma
Thin melanoma with mitotic activity
Clinically node-negative patient
Absence of central nervous system metastasis
Cutaneous and mucosal melanoma
Restaging after recurrence
Eligibility for clinical trials

Risk Factors

False-negative result in 3 to 5 percent
Lymphocele and seroma
Wound infection in 5 to 10 percent
Lymphedema (around 0.5 to 2 percent in the arm)
Radiotracer allergy
Blue dye reaction
Rare anaphylaxis to blue dye
Neuropraxic nerve injury

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Swelling or edema at the surgical site
  • Fever and signs of wound infection
  • Lymphocele formation
  • Lymphedema in the arm or leg
  • New nerve dysfunction
  • Allergic skin reaction

Treatment Methods

01
Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with technetium-99m nanocolloid
02
Intraoperative blue dye injection
03
Gamma probe-guided sentinel node localization
04
Minimally invasive excisional biopsy
05
Intraoperative pathology in selected cases
06
Detailed histopathologic evaluation with immunohistochemistry
07
Surveillance or selective lymphadenectomy if positive
08
Multidisciplinary planning of adjuvant therapy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.