Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma

摘要: Melanoma is an important public health problem, and its incidence increasing worldwide. The disease status of regional lymph nodes the most prognostic factor in early-stage melanoma patients. Sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) was introduced early 1990s as a less invasive procedure than complete dissection to allow histopathologic evaluation "sentinel node" (SLN), which first along lymphatic pathway from primary tumor. has minimal complication risks compared with standard dissection. Currently, SLNB accepted method for staging patients clinically node-negative cutaneous provides powerful information by evaluating nodal basin status. current practice consists injection Tc-labeled radiopharmaceutical, preoperative lymphoscintigraphy possibility using SPECT/CT hybrid imaging, intraoperative SLN localization handheld gamma probe or without use blue dye. Recently, detection have been enhanced new tracers devices, demonstrated be particularly useful melanomas head neck region area complex anatomy. Despite these advances technology experience mapping, major research centers reported false-negative rate higher 15%. This relatively high rate, greater those initial validation studies, points out importance nuclear medicine community continuously improve their knowledge on biological behavior technical aspects that may more precise staging. For accurate, it critical all "true" SLNs are identified removed examination. aim this article provide general about clinical highlighting standardization accuracy identification light recent innovations.