Faculty Collaboration Database

Predictors of positive sentinel lymph node in thin melanoma. Am J Surg 2011 Mar;201(3):324-7; discussion 327-8

Date

03/04/2011

Pubmed ID

21367372

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2010.09.011

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-79952137514 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The treatment of thin melanoma (Breslow thickness <1.0 mm) may include sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB). The validity of SLNB for thin melanoma remains widely debated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate pathologic factors that are predictive of SLN positivity.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database revealed 1,199 patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine an association between pathologic factors and SLN positivity.

RESULTS: Thin melanomas were identified in 469 patients (39%). Of these, 147 patients (31%) underwent SLNB. Positive SLNs were found in 16 patients (11%). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that both ulceration (odds ratio, 5.27; P = .047) and thickness (odds ratio, 46.69; P = .022) were associated with SLN positivity.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with thin melanomas >.75 mm and/or ulceration should be considered for SLNB.

Author List

Yonick DV, Ballo RM, Kahn E, Dahiya M, Yao K, Godellas C, Shoup M, Aranha GV

Author

Rana Higgins MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Databases, Factual
Female
Humans
Logistic Models
Lymph Nodes
Lymphatic Metastasis
Male
Melanoma
Middle Aged
Multivariate Analysis
Odds Ratio
Predictive Value of Tests
Prognosis
Prospective Studies
Retrospective Studies
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Skin Neoplasms