The Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Management of Cutaneous Malignancies

Abstract

Sentinel lymph node biopsy uses the concept of selective lymphatic drainage and the lymphatic microvasculature to identify first-echelon nodes draining a given malignancy. Although initially considered difficult and unreliable in the head and neck, experience with the technique has improved and evolved significantly over the last 3 decades. It is now recognized to be accurate and reliable for regional nodal staging and detection of occult nodal metastasis in the head and neck. Although initially described for nodal staging of melanoma, the usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy continues to expand and is now extended to other cutaneous malignancies.

Keywords: Cutaneous malignancies; Microscopic nodal disease; Nonmelanoma skin cancer; Prognostic information; Sentinel lymph node biopsy.