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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (sentinel + lymph_node_biopsy)
Selected AbstractsSentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: An Alternate ViewDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2008JOHN A. ZITELLI MD First page of article [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for High-Risk Nonmelanoma Skin CancersDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2007RACHEL E. SAHN BACKGROUND Although the utility of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the staging of melanoma is well established, its usefulness in high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE The objective was to report our experience with patients who underwent SLNB for the staging of a high-risk NMSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified 13 patients with a high-risk NMSC who underwent SLNB between 1998 and 2006 and conducted a retrospective review of their medical records and tumor pathology. Their status as regards tumor recurrence and survival was obtained when possible. RESULTS Of 13 patients, 9 had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 had sebaceous gland carcinoma, 1 had porocarcinoma, and 1 had atypical fibroxanthoma. All SLNB were negative for metastatic disease, but 1 appeared to be a false-negative finding. CONCLUSION Compared to melanoma, SCC of the skin are much less predictable as regards their tendency to metastasize to the regional lymph nodes. Although the SLNB appears to be a reliable staging procedure for NMSC (especially SCC), the yield may be too low to justify its routine use in this patient population. More data are needed to determine when a SLNB is justified in the management of NMSC. [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of the English LiteratureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2006AMY SIMON ROSS MD BACKGROUND Although most cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is curable by a variety of treatment modalities, a small subset of tumors recur, metastasize, and result in death. Although risk factors for metastasis have been described, there are little data available on appropriate workup and staging of patients with high-risk SCC. OBJECTIVE We reviewed reported cases and case series of SCC in which sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was performed to determine whether further research is warranted in developing SLNB as a staging tool for patients with high-risk SCC. METHODS The English medical literature was reviewed for reports of SLNB in patients with cutaneous SCC. Data from anogenital and nonanogenital cases were collected and analyzed separately. The percentage of cases with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) was calculated. False negative and nondetection rates were tabulated. Rates of local recurrence, nodal and distant metastasis, and disease-specific death were reported. RESULTS A total of 607 patients with anogenital SCC and 85 patients with nonanogenital SCC were included in the analysis. A SLN could not be identified in 3% of anogenital and 4% of nonanogenital cases. SLNB was positive in 24% of anogenital and 21% of nonanogenital patients. False-negative rates as determined by completion lymphadenectomy were 4% (8/213) and 5% (1/20), respectively. Most false-negative results were reported in studies from 2000 or earlier in which the combination of radioisotope and blue dye was not used in the SLN localization process. Complications were reported rarely and were limited to hematoma, seroma, cutaneous lymphatic fistula, wound infection, and dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS Owing to the lack of controlled studies, it is premature to draw conclusions regarding the utility of SLNB in SCC. The available data, however, suggest that SLNB accurately diagnoses subclinical lymph node metastasis with few false-negative results and low morbidity. Controlled studies are needed to demonstrate whether early detection of subclinical nodal metastasis will lead to improved disease-free or overall survival for patients with high-risk SCC. [source] Single-Institution Experience in the Management of Patients with Clinical Stage I and II Cutaneous Melanoma: Results of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in 240 CasesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2005Jordi Rex MD Background. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been developed as a minimally invasive technique to determine the pathologic status of regional lymph nodes in patients without clinically palpable disease and incorporated in the latest version of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for cutaneous melanoma. Objective. To analyze the results of SLNB and the prognostic value of the micrometastases and the pattern of early recurrences in patients according to sentinel lymph node (SLN) status. Method. Patients with cutaneous melanoma in stages I and II (AJCC 2002) who underwent lymphatic mapping and SLNB from 1997 to 2003 were included in a prospective database for analysis. Results. The rate of identification of the SLN was 100%. Micrometastases to SLN were found in 20.8% of patients. The rate of SLN micrometastases increased according to Breslow thickness and clinical stage. Breslow thickness of 0.99 mm was the optimal cutpoint for predicting the SLNB result. Twenty-four patients (12.3%) developed a locoregional or distant recurrence at a median follow-up of 31 months. Recurrences were more frequent in patients with a positive SLN. Among patients who had a recurrence, those with a positive SLN were more likely to have distant metastases than those with negative SLN. Nodal recurrences were more frequent in patients with a negative SLN compared with those with a positive SLN. Conclusions. The status of the SLN provides accurate staging for identifying patients who may benefit from further therapy and is the most important prognostic factor of relapse-free survival. THIS WORK WAS SUPPORTED BY GRANTS FROM FONDO DE INVESTIGACIONES SANITARIAS (98/0449), BECA DE FORMACIÓ DE PERSONAL INVESTIGADOR (2001/FI0757), AND THE RED ESPÑOLA DE CENTROS DE GENÓMICA DEL CÁNCER (C03/10). [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Has No Benefit for Patients with Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: An Assertion Based on Comprehensive, Critical AnalysisDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2005David G. Brodland MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Quality of Life at 2 years Follow-up After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Immediate or Delayed Axillary Dissection for Breast CancerTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010Maryam Al Nakib MD First page of article [source] Acceptance of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of the Breast by All General Surgeons in KentuckyTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005C. Adam Conn MD Abstract:, Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer is now performed routinely in many U.S. medical centers. The acceptance of SLNB in the community and in rural medical centers, however, has not been accurately defined. The purpose of this study was to assess how surgeons in Kentucky, a predominantly rural state, have incorporated SLNB into practice. General surgeons in the state of Kentucky were identified by registration with the state medical association. All general surgeons (n = 272) in the state were mailed the questionnaire, with 93% (n = 252) responding. Overall, 172 defined themselves as rural surgeons. Among the rural surgeons, 87% perform breast cancer operations and 54% perform SLNB. In comparison, 74% of nonrural surgeons perform breast cancer operations and 80% perform SLNB. A majority of nonrural surgeons (73%) have performed SLNB for more than 2 years when compared to rural surgeons (73% versus 37%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Planned backup axillary node dissection was stopped by both rural (26%) and community (39%) surgeons after 10 cases (14% rural, 19% nonrural) or 11,20 cases (12% rural, 20% nonrural). Surgeons reported using SLNB for the following diagnoses: invasive cancer (98%), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (43%), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) (11%). The majority of surgeons (87%) reported a greater than 90% SLN identification rate. SLNB has become widely accepted by surgeons in both rural and nonrural medical centers in Kentucky. However, there has been considerable variability in the number of training cases surgeons have performed prior to abandoning routine axillary dissection. This indicates a need for continuing educational efforts aimed at quality assurance. [source] Re: Axillary Staging Using Positron Emission Tomography in Breast Cancer Patients Qualifying for Sentinel Lymph Node BiopsyTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 2 2004Kirby I. Bland MDArticle first published online: 10 MAR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Axillary Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Carcinoma of the Breast: Current UpdateTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 2 2004Gordon F. Schwartz MD, MBAArticle first published online: 10 MAR 200 Abstract: Axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been adopted as a suitable alternative to traditional level I and II axillary dissection in the management of clinically node-negative (N0) breast cancers. There are two current techniques used to identify the sentinel node(s): radiopharmaceutical, technetium sulfur colloid, and isosulfan blue dye (used in the United States) and technetium-labeled albumin and patent blue dye (used in Europe). (The labeled albumin is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approved in the United States.) SLNB to replace axillary dissection should only be performed by surgeons and patient management teams with appropriate training and experience. Although both radiocolloid and blue dye are used together by most surgeons, and training should be in both techniques, some experienced surgeons use one or the other almost exclusively. In addition, surgical pathologists must recognize the need to examine these small specimens with great care, using a generally adopted protocol. Imprint cytology or frozen sections may be used, followed by additional sections for light microscopy. Immunochemical staining with cytokeratin or other techniques to identify "submicroscopic" metastasis is often used, but the results should not be used to influence clinical decisions with respect to adjuvant therapy. "Failed" SLNB implies the surgeon's failure to identify the sentinel nodes, in which case a complete dissection is performed. A "false-negative" SLNB implies the finding of metastasis in the excised sentinel nodes by light microscopy after a negative frozen section examination. Whether a false-negative SLNB mandates completion axillary dissection is controversial, with clinical trials currently under way to answer this question. Although SLNB was initiated to accompany breast-conserving treatment, it is equally useful in patients undergoing mastectomy. It is more difficult to perform with mastectomy. When using blue dye only, SLNB may require a separate incision because of time constraints between injection and identification of the blue-stained nodes; radiocolloid usually does not. Completion axillary dissection after false-negative SLNB is more difficult after mastectomy. SLNB is a useful procedure that may save 70% of women with clinically negative (N0) axillae and all of those with pathologically negative axillae from the morbidity of complete axillary dissection. Ideally the sentinel nodes should be able to identified in more than 95% of patients, with a false-negative rate of less than 5%. Until these rates can be achieved consistently, however, surgeons should not abandon traditional axillary dissection., [source] Proceedings of the Consensus Conference on the Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Carcinoma of the Breast April 19,22, 2001, Philadelphia, PA, USATHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 3 2002Gordon F. Schwartz MD A consensus conference on the role of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer was held in Philadelphia in April, 2001; the participants included many highly respected American and European investigators in this area. This report summarizes the deliberations of the group and promotes its current guidelines for the integration of this new technique into contemporary clinical practice. [source] Endoscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in a Porcine ModelTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2006Karen T. Pitman MD Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy in a porcine model. Methods: One hundred microcuries of technetium-labeled sulfa colloid (Tc-SC) was injected into the right and left ventrolateral surfaces of the oral tongue of six adult Yorkshire pigs. A handheld gamma probe was used to locate the region of focal radioactivity on the neck that corresponded to the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Next, 0.25 mL of isosulfan blue dye was injected into the Tc-SC injection sites on the tongue. Endoscopic SLN dissection was then performed using a combination of balloon dissection and CO2 insufflation. The operative time, blood loss, and radioactivity of the SLN were measured for each animal. Results: The SLN was detected transcutaneously with the gamma probe, and endoscopic SLN excision was successful. Endoscopic visualization and an endoscopic gamma probe confirmed the presence of both isosulfan blue dye and radiopositivity in the SLN in each pig. The procedure lasted 22 to 61 minutes (median duration, 35 minutes). There was no measurable blood loss in any of the animals. Mean radioactivity measured 14,466 counts/second per lymph node. Conclusions: Endoscopic SLN biopsy for oral tongue lesions is feasible and warrants further study. [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Rational Approach for Staging T2N0 Oral Cancer,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2005Nestor Rigual MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: For oral cancer patients, the presence of neck nodal metastases is the most important disease prognosticator. However, a significant proportion of clinically N0 patients harbor occult microscopic nodal metastasis. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in the staging of T2N0 oral carcinoma patients. Study Design: Prospective analysis. Methods: Twenty patients with previously untreated N0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma were studied. Each patient had an SNB performed using preoperative technetium sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma probe guidance, and intraoperative peritumoral injection of 1% isosulfan blue. All patients underwent neck dissection. The sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were sectioned in 2- to 3-mm intervals, formalin fixed, and sectioned at three levels. The non-SLNs were sectioned in a routine manner for histologic examination. Results: SLNs were identified in all patients (100%) and accurately predicted the pathologic nodal status in 18 of 20 patients (90%). Tumor was found exclusively in the SLNs in six patients (30%). Two patients had positive SLNs at multiple neck levels. Two patients had a negative SLN and a positive non-SLN (false-negative findings). Occult nodal metastases were present in 60% of the cohort. Conclusions: SNB is a technically feasible and accurate procedure for staging the neck in oral carcinoma patients. However, SNB accuracy is lower for floor of the mouth lesions. The rate of occult nodal metastases identified in this cohort is higher than previously reported in the literature. These results suggest that SNB warrants further multi-institutional studies. [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell CarcinomaTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2002Karen T. Pitman MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive method to stage the regional lymphatics that has revolutionized the management of patients with intermediate-thickness cutaneous melanoma. Head and neck surgeons have been encouraged by the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma and have applied the technique to patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objectives of the study were 1) to study the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy as a method to stage the regional lymphatics in HNSCC and 2) to determine whether there are qualitative differences between the cutaneous and mucosal lymphatics that would affect the technique used in HNSCC. Study Design Two methods of investigation were employed: a prospective laboratory study using a feline model for sentinel lymph node biopsy and a retrospective review of patients who received lymphoscintigraphy before neck dissection and intraoperative identification of the sentinel lymph node. Methods Lymphoscintigraphy and a gamma probe were used in four felines to study the kinetics of technetium-labeled sulfa colloid (Tc-SC) in the mucosal lymphatics. In the second part of the feline study, eight subjects were studied intraoperatively. Tc-SC and isosulfan blue dye were used to study the injection technique for the mucosal lymphatics and to determine the time course of the dye and Tc-SC to the sentinel lymph node. In Part II of the present study, a retrospective review of 33 patients with HNSCC was conducted. Twenty patients (stage N0) whose treatment included elective neck dissection were studied with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and underwent intraoperative identification of the sentinel lymph node to determine the accuracy and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Eight patients with palpable neck disease and five patients with recurrent or second primary disease whose previous treatment included neck dissection were also studied with lymphoscintigraphy before neck dissection. Results In the feline study, both Tc-SC and isosulfan blue dye traversed the lymphatics rapidly, appearing in the sentinel lymph node in less than 5 minutes. Modification of the injection technique used for cutaneous melanoma was required to depict the sentinel lymph node of the base of tongue. In the human study, the sentinel lymph node was accurately identified in 19 of 20 (95%) N0 patients. On average, 2.9 sentinel lymph nodes (range, 1,5) were identified in 2.2 (range, 1,4) levels of the neck. Sentinel lymph nodes were bilateral in 4 of 19 patients. When the sentinel lymph node was identified, it accurately predicted the pathological nodal status of the regional lymphatics. Three of 20 patients had cervical metastases, and the sentinel lymph node was identified in 2 of 3 patients with pathologic nodes (pN+). Focal areas of radiotracer uptake were identified in seven of eight patients with palpable disease. These areas corresponded to the level with palpable disease in four patients. The lymphatics delineated by lymphoscintigraphy in the five patients with previous neck dissection were outside the levels that had been dissected. Lymphoscintigraphy depicted collateral patterns of lymphatic drainage. Conclusions Sentinel lymph node biopsy is technically feasible and is a promising, minimally invasive method for staging the regional lymphatics in patients with stage N0 HNSCC. Lymphoscintigraphy alone may determine the levels that require treatment in patients with disrupted or previously operated cervical lymphatics. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with melanoma and breast cancerINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 9 2001R. F. Uren Abstract Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) is a new method for staging regional node fields in patients with cancers that have a propensity to metastasise to lymph nodes. The majority of early experience has been obtained in patients with melanoma and breast cancer. The technique requires the close cooperation of nuclear medicine physicians, surgical oncologists and histopathologists to achieve the desired accuracy. It involves: (i) identification of all lymph nodes that directly drain a primary tumour site (the sentinel nodes) by the use of pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy, (ii) selective excision of these nodes by the surgeon, guided by pre-operative blue dye injection and a gamma detecting probe intra-operatively and (iii) careful histological examination of the sentinel nodes by the histopathologist using serial sections and immunohistochemical stains. If the nodes are normal it can be inferred with a high degree of accuracy that all nodes in the node field are normal. This means that radical dissections of draining node fields can be avoided in patients with normal lymph nodes. A further advantage of lyamphatic mapping is that drainage to sentinel nodes in unusual locations is identified, leading to more accurate nodal staging than could be achieved with routine dissection of the closest node field. (Intern Med J 2001; 31: 547,553) [source] Intraoperative labeling of sentinel lymph nodes with a combination of vital dye and radionuclide tracer , results in sentinel lymph node-positive patientsJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 3 2006Wolfgang Pfützner Sentinel-Lymphknoten; Melanom; Metastasierung; Diagnostik Summary Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy enhances the accuracy of tumor staging in patients with malignant melanoma and can help select candidates for regional lymphadenectomy. There are two techniques for identifying the sentinel lymph node: intradermal injection of a radionuclide tracer or of a blue dye. We evaluated both methods to determine how they can be best utilized to locate a sentinel lymph node. Patients and methods: In a retrospective study, 323 patients with melanoma (tumor thickness , 0.75 mm) who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy after both radionuclide and blue dye injection were evaluated. The labeling of lymph nodes showing micrometastasis by histopathological examination was determined. Results: 63 patients showed sentinel lymph nodes with micrometastasis. All of these nodes (100 %) were labeled with radionuclide tracer, but only 90 % with blue dye. In 5 patients, only radionuclide labeling identified the histopathologically-positive lymph node. In 36 patients, several sentinel lymph nodes were identified, with the histopathologically-positive nodes usually showing a higher radioactive signal intensity than the negative ones. Conclusion: Since in some patients histopathologically-positive lymph nodes are only labeled by radionuclide tracer, radionuclide labeling is indispensable for locating sentinel lymph nodes. In contrast, labeling with blue dye represents a supplementary method, which can simplify the recognition of the sentinel lymph node during surgery. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Entnahme des Sentinel-Lymphknotens erlaubt eine genauere Aussage über das Tumorstadium bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom und eine Auswahl der Patienten, bei denen eine therapeutische Dissektion der regionären Lymphknoten indiziert ist. Es existieren zwei Methoden,den Sentinel-Lymphknoten zu lokalisieren: Intradermale Injektion eines Radionuklidtracers oder eines blauen Farbstoffes. Wir prüften die Wertigkeit beider Methoden und stellten die Frage, welche Empfehlungen zum Einsatz dieser Verfahren beim Auffinden des Sentinel-Lymphknotens gegeben werden können. Patienten und Methodik: In eine retrospektiven Studie wurden 323 Patienten mit einem Melanom (Tumordicke , 0,75 mm) evaluiert, bei denen zur Entfernung des Sentinel-Lymphknotens sowohl eine Radionuklid- als auch eine Farb-stoffmarkierung erfolgte. Es wurde untersucht, welche Markierung die Lymph-knoten aufwiesen, bei denen sich in der histopathologischen Begutachtung Mikrometastasen fanden. Ergebnisse: 63 Patienten zeigten Sentinel-Lymphknoten mit Mikrometastasen, von denen alle (100 %) radionuklidmarkiert waren, jedoch nur 90 % auch eine Farbstoffmarkierung aufwiesen. Bei 5 Patienten wurde der histopathologisch positive Lymphknoten nur durch die Radionuklidmarkierung entdeckt. Mehrere Sentinel-Lymphknoten fanden sich bei 36 Patienten,wobei die histopatho-logisch positiven zumeist eine höhere radioaktive Impulsrate aufwiesen als die negativen Lymphknoten. Schlussfolgerung: Da bei bestimmten Personen histologisch positive Lymph-knoten ausschliesslich radioaktiv markiert sind, ist die Radionuklidmarkierung bei der Lokalisation des Sentinel-Lymphknoten unverzichtbar. Die Farbstofffärbung dagegen stellt eine ergänzende Methode dar, die das intraoperative Auffinden des Sentinel-Lymphknotens erleichtern kann. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: Cure and survival are paramountJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Dr. Frederick L. Moffat Jr. MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer: indications, contraindications, and new directionsJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Hiram S. Cody III MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Lymphoscintigraphic and intraoperative detection of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer patients: The nuclear medicine perspectiveJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Giuliano Mariani MD Abstract The concept of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer surgery relates to the fact that the tumor drains in a logical way via the lymphatic system, from the first to upper levels. Therefore, (1) the first lymph node met (the sentinel node) will most likely be the first one affected by metastasis, and (2) a negative sentinel node makes it highly unlikely that other nodes are affected. Sentinel lymph node biopsy would represent a significant advantage as a mini-invasive procedure, considering that, after operation, about 70% of patients are found to be free from metastatic disease, yet axillary node dissection can lead to significant morbidity. Although the pattern of lymphatic drainage from a breast cancer can be very variable, the mammary gland and the overlying skin can be considered as a biologic unit in which lymphatics tend to follow the vasculature. Considering that tumor lymphatics are disorganized and relatively ineffective, subdermal, and peritumoral injection of small aliquots of radiotracer is preferred to intratumoral administration. 99mTc-labeled colloids with most of the particles in the 100,200 nm size range would be ideal for radioguided sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer. Lymphoscintigraphy is an essential part of radioguided sentinel lymph node biopsy, as images are used to direct the surgeon to the site of the node. The sentinel lymph node should have a significantly higher count than background. After removal of the sentinel node, the axilla must be re-examined to ensure all radioactive sites are identified and removed for analysis. The success rate of radioguidance in localizing the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer surgery is about 94,97% in Institutions where a high number of procedures are performed, approaching 99% when combined with the vital blue dye technique. At present, there is no definite evidence that a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy is invariably correlated with a negative axillary status, except perhaps for T1a-b breast cancers, with size ,1 cm. Randomized clinical trials should elucidate the impact of avoiding axillary node dissection in patients with a negative sentinel lymph node on the long-term clinical outcome of patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;85:112,122. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma patientsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 9 2010M Lens Abstract Appropriate surgical management of regional lymph nodes is critical in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The use of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has increased significantly in the past decade. SLNB is performed as minimally invasive procedure that provides accurate staging of melanoma patients with no clinically detectable nodal disease. In many melanoma units across the world, it became the standard for detection of occult regional node metastasis in patients with intermediate-thickness primary melanoma. Use of SLNB in patients with thin melanomas is still under evaluation. Although SLNB has been established as staging procedure in melanoma patients, its therapeutic role is still not clear. Large-scale ongoing randomized trials should elucidate whether SLNB with complete lymphadenectomy has a survival benefit in melanoma patients with early lymph node metastases compared to ,watch-and-wait' policy (observation). [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in clear cell sarcomaJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 9 2007F Fantini [source] Acceptance of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of the Breast by All General Surgeons in KentuckyTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005C. Adam Conn MD Abstract:, Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer is now performed routinely in many U.S. medical centers. The acceptance of SLNB in the community and in rural medical centers, however, has not been accurately defined. The purpose of this study was to assess how surgeons in Kentucky, a predominantly rural state, have incorporated SLNB into practice. General surgeons in the state of Kentucky were identified by registration with the state medical association. All general surgeons (n = 272) in the state were mailed the questionnaire, with 93% (n = 252) responding. Overall, 172 defined themselves as rural surgeons. Among the rural surgeons, 87% perform breast cancer operations and 54% perform SLNB. In comparison, 74% of nonrural surgeons perform breast cancer operations and 80% perform SLNB. A majority of nonrural surgeons (73%) have performed SLNB for more than 2 years when compared to rural surgeons (73% versus 37%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Planned backup axillary node dissection was stopped by both rural (26%) and community (39%) surgeons after 10 cases (14% rural, 19% nonrural) or 11,20 cases (12% rural, 20% nonrural). Surgeons reported using SLNB for the following diagnoses: invasive cancer (98%), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (43%), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) (11%). The majority of surgeons (87%) reported a greater than 90% SLN identification rate. SLNB has become widely accepted by surgeons in both rural and nonrural medical centers in Kentucky. However, there has been considerable variability in the number of training cases surgeons have performed prior to abandoning routine axillary dissection. This indicates a need for continuing educational efforts aimed at quality assurance. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with thin melanomasTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Roberto CECCHI ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to report our experience with lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in a selected group of patients with thin primary cutaneous melanomas. Fifty patients (22 females and 28 males; mean age, 57.8 years; range, 30,77 years) with a mean tumor thickness of 0.63 mm (range, 0.24,1.00 mm) underwent LM/SLNB. Twenty-eight (56%) of them had Clark level II, 20 (40%) had Clark level III, and two (4%) had Clark level IV. Tumor ulceration was present in two patients (4%) and histological regression in 35 patients (70%). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases occurred in two of 50 patients (4%). The first case was a 0.88-mm thick, Clark level III, non-ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the trunk, without any regression. The second case was a 0.95-mm thick, Clark level IV, non-ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the neck, with regression. Both patients were disease-free 76 and 50 months after the SLNB procedure and followed complete lymph node dissection, respectively. The patients with negative SLN were disease-free after a median follow up of 44 months (mean, 43.2; range, 15,84 months). Published data and our experience suggest that LM/SLNB is not routinely indicated for melanomas less than 0.75 mm. Our results confirmed the accuracy of the new American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer criteria, in which SLNB is required for thin melanomas less than 1.0 mm when they have ulceration or Clark level IV and V invasion. [source] Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell CarcinomaTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2002Karen T. Pitman MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive method to stage the regional lymphatics that has revolutionized the management of patients with intermediate-thickness cutaneous melanoma. Head and neck surgeons have been encouraged by the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma and have applied the technique to patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objectives of the study were 1) to study the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy as a method to stage the regional lymphatics in HNSCC and 2) to determine whether there are qualitative differences between the cutaneous and mucosal lymphatics that would affect the technique used in HNSCC. Study Design Two methods of investigation were employed: a prospective laboratory study using a feline model for sentinel lymph node biopsy and a retrospective review of patients who received lymphoscintigraphy before neck dissection and intraoperative identification of the sentinel lymph node. Methods Lymphoscintigraphy and a gamma probe were used in four felines to study the kinetics of technetium-labeled sulfa colloid (Tc-SC) in the mucosal lymphatics. In the second part of the feline study, eight subjects were studied intraoperatively. Tc-SC and isosulfan blue dye were used to study the injection technique for the mucosal lymphatics and to determine the time course of the dye and Tc-SC to the sentinel lymph node. In Part II of the present study, a retrospective review of 33 patients with HNSCC was conducted. Twenty patients (stage N0) whose treatment included elective neck dissection were studied with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and underwent intraoperative identification of the sentinel lymph node to determine the accuracy and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Eight patients with palpable neck disease and five patients with recurrent or second primary disease whose previous treatment included neck dissection were also studied with lymphoscintigraphy before neck dissection. Results In the feline study, both Tc-SC and isosulfan blue dye traversed the lymphatics rapidly, appearing in the sentinel lymph node in less than 5 minutes. Modification of the injection technique used for cutaneous melanoma was required to depict the sentinel lymph node of the base of tongue. In the human study, the sentinel lymph node was accurately identified in 19 of 20 (95%) N0 patients. On average, 2.9 sentinel lymph nodes (range, 1,5) were identified in 2.2 (range, 1,4) levels of the neck. Sentinel lymph nodes were bilateral in 4 of 19 patients. When the sentinel lymph node was identified, it accurately predicted the pathological nodal status of the regional lymphatics. Three of 20 patients had cervical metastases, and the sentinel lymph node was identified in 2 of 3 patients with pathologic nodes (pN+). Focal areas of radiotracer uptake were identified in seven of eight patients with palpable disease. These areas corresponded to the level with palpable disease in four patients. The lymphatics delineated by lymphoscintigraphy in the five patients with previous neck dissection were outside the levels that had been dissected. Lymphoscintigraphy depicted collateral patterns of lymphatic drainage. Conclusions Sentinel lymph node biopsy is technically feasible and is a promising, minimally invasive method for staging the regional lymphatics in patients with stage N0 HNSCC. Lymphoscintigraphy alone may determine the levels that require treatment in patients with disrupted or previously operated cervical lymphatics. [source] Melanoma in Solid Organ Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2010F. O. Zwald This manuscript outlines estimated risk and clinical course of pretransplant MM, donor-transmitted MM and de novo MM posttransplantation and includes an analysis of risk factors for metastasis, data from clinical studies and current and proposed management. MM in situ and thin melanoma (<1 mm) in the transplant population has similar recurrence and survival estimates to those in the general population. A minimum wait time of 2 years prior to transplantation is suggested for MM with a Breslow depth <1 mm and no clinical evidence of metastasis. More advanced MM may adopt a more aggressive course in transplant recipients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be of additional prognostic benefit. Revision of immunosuppression in the management of de novo melanoma in collaboration with the transplant team should be considered. Larger studies utilizing uniform staging criteria or at minimum Breslow depth, are required to assess true risk and outcome of MM in the immunosuppressed transplant population. Emphasis remains on patient education and regular screening to provide early detection of MM. [source] Comparison of blue dye and isotope with blue dye alone in breast sentinel node biopsyANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2005David B. Y. Syme Background:, Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) is rapidly gaining acceptance as an alternative to axillary dissection (AD) in patients with early breast cancer. Debate continues regarding the optimum technique for sentinel node (SN) mapping. We have used our series of 364 SNBs to compare two different techniques. Methods:, A retrospective review of patients undergoing SNB by surgeons in our breast service. Overall results were analysed, with particular attention to those having blue dye alone and those having blue dye in combination with radio-labelled colloid. SNs were analysed using haematoxylin,eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Results:, SN identification rates were similar: 96% for dye alone and 89% for dye and colloid in combination. Twenty-one per cent of SN mapped with dye alone contained metastases, compared to 30% with dye and colloid in combination. The false-negative rate was correspondingly higher in the dye alone group (21 vs 2.8%). Conclusion:, SNB using dye and colloid in combination was significantly superior to dye alone in this series. We advocate using both dye and colloid for intraoperative SN mapping. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast cancerANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2004FRACS, Stan Govender MChB No abstract is available for this article. [source] Management of the axilla in early breast cancer: is it time to change tack?ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2000Philip Crowe The standard surgical treatment of the axilla in patients with early breast cancer is about to undergo a radical change. Although axillary dissection is an excellent procedure for both staging and local control, particularly in the clinically positive axilla, it has considerable morbidity and may understage a significant proportion of patients, because it will usually miss micrometastases that can occur in approximately 10% of ,node negative' patients. An increasing number of patients whose tumours are either non-invasive (ductal carcinoma in situ; DCIS), micro-invasive, tubular cancers or low-grade T1a tumours without lymphovascular invasion may be spared axillary surgery because the risk of axillary disease is 0,3%. Many studies, both prospective trials and large retrospective series, show that axillary radiotherapy alone provides similar local control rates to axillary dissection in patients with clinically negative axillas. Primary treatment of the axilla with radiotherapy alone, however, does not allow appropriate staging. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is being increasingly used in patients with breast cancer to provide this information. When a sentinel node is identified it is equal to or better than axillary dissection for staging the axilla and, if the node is positive, it will help select patients who should then proceed to further axillary surgery or axillary radiotherapy. Although sentinel lymph node biopsy is being rapidly adopted in many centres worldwide, the results of randomized controlled trials are needed before it can be recommended as the standard of care. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: a micromorphometric study relating to prognosis and completion lymph node dissectionBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007S. Debarbieux Summary Background, Sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity has been found to be strongly associated with a poor prognosis in melanoma. Objectives, This large referral centre study was conducted: (i) to confirm the powerful prognostic value of SLN biopsy (SLNB); (ii) to correlate patient prognosis to the micromorphometric features of SLN metastasis in SLN-positive patients; and (iii) to correlate these micromorphometric features to the likelihood of positive completion lymph node dissection (CLND). Patients and methods, SLNB was performed in 455 cases of primary melanoma between January 1999 and December 2004; for patients with positive SLN, the following micromorphometric features were registered: size of the largest metastasis (two diameters), depth of metastasis, number of millimetric slices involved, maximum number of metastases on a single section, presence of intracapsular lymphatic invasion and extracapsular spread. Kaplan,Meier survival curves were compared with the log-rank test; multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox regression model. Dependence of CLND status on micromorphometric features of SLN was assessed by the ,2 test and predictive values of the different features were evaluated by multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. Results, A positive SLN was identified in 98 of our 455 cases. Survival was significantly shorter in SLN-positive patients than in SLN-negative patients. Extracapsular invasion was found to be an independent prognostic factor of disease-free survival; ulceration of the primary and the maximum diameter of the largest metastasis were identified as independent predictive factors of disease-specific survival. Age and the lowest diameter of the largest metastasis were identified as independent predictive criteria of positive CLND, whereas depth of metastasis was not. Positivity of CLND was not significantly associated with a worse prognosis. Conclusions, Our study confirms the previously demonstrated strong prognostic value of SLNB. It also confirms the relationship between tumour burden in the SLN (evaluated by the maximum diameter of the largest metastasis) and clinical outcome. We point out a new micromorphometric feature of SLN, which seems to be predictive of CLND status: the lowest diameter of the largest metastasis. [source] Sentinel lymph node biopsy and the U.K. guidelines for cutaneous melanomaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2002W.G. Phillips No abstract is available for this article. [source] Authors' reply: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer guided by indocyanine green fluorescence (Br J Surg 2009; 96: 1289,1294)BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2010D. Murawa No abstract is available for this article. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||