Can sentinel node biopsy be safely omitted in thin melanoma? Risk factor analysis of 1272 multicenter prospective cases

Conclusionsin thin melanoma Breslow thickness and ulceration were the only factors related to a positive SNB. Although convincing improvements resulted from the implementation of AJCC classifications with a reduction of positive biopsies among pT1a, a 10.71% rate among all positive nodes remains in the low-risk group. No recommendations can be drawn from this research and adjunctive evidences are needed to better identify patients at risk of nodal metastasis.
Source: European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO) - Category: Surgery Source Type: research