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WLE Timing Relative to SLNB in Melanoma

Wong ZY, Damavandi P, Misky AT, et al.
Dermatologic Surgery (2025)

JC: October 2024

This study examined the optimal timing of wide local excision (WLE) relative to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma management. The analysis assessed whether performing WLE before, simultaneously with, or after SLNB impacts oncologic outcomes and surgical planning.

Take-Home Messages

  • •The timing of WLE relative to SLNB does not appear to significantly impact oncologic outcomes in melanoma.
  • •Simultaneous WLE and SLNB is efficient and can reduce the number of surgical procedures without compromising staging accuracy.

Topic

Melanoma

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

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Tumor Melanoma

Abstract

The management of malignant melanomas often involves performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) aided by imaging with lymphoscintigraphy. Whether lymphoscintigraphy should be performed on the same day as the SLNB operation (SD) or the day before (DB) surgery remains debated. This study aims to summarise existing evidence regarding the impact of the relative timings of lymphoscintigraphy and SLNB on clinical outcomes in melanoma. A PRISMA-compliant search was conducted from inception to 28...

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.