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SLNB in Patients with T1a Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma - Multicenter Cohort

Shannon AB, Sharon CE, Straker RJ, et al.
J Am Acad Dermatol (2022)

JC: February 2023

This multicenter cohort study examined the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with thin (T1a) cutaneous melanomas. The study analyzed SLN positivity rates and recurrence outcomes in this low-risk population where SLNB is not routinely recommended. The findings help refine the indications for SLNB in thin melanoma and identify subsets that may benefit from more aggressive staging.

Take-Home Messages

  • •SLN positivity in T1a melanoma is very low (<5%), supporting current guidelines against routine SLNB in thin melanomas.
  • •Select T1a features (mitotic rate, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion) may identify a subset warranting SLNB consideration.
  • •The very low yield of SLNB in T1a melanoma must be balanced against procedural morbidity and cost.
PubMed →DOI →

Topic

Melanoma

Melanoma margins, SLNB, staging, Mohs for melanoma in situ

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Tumor Melanoma

Abstract

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is not routinely recommended for T1a cutaneous melanoma due to the overall low risk of positivity. Prognostic factors for positive sentinel lymph node (SLN+) in this population are poorly characterized. To determine factors associated with SLN+ in patients with T1a melanoma. Patients with pathologic T1a (&lt;0.80&#xa0;mm, nonulcerated) cutaneous melanoma from 5 high-volume melanoma centers from 2001 to 2020 who underwent wide local excision with sentinel lymph node ...

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Literature review only. This summary is an editorial interpretation and may not reflect the complete findings of the original publication. Always refer to the full-text article for clinical decision-making.