Background: Accurately staging and prognosticating melanoma classically depends on a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The mainstay predictors of SLNB positivity according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) are Breslow depth and ulceration. Nevertheless, even with these predictors, negative SLNBs, even in deep melanomas, are a common occurrence and may result in unnecessary invasive procedures for patients. This suggests that the parameters for determining SLNB candidates are a potential area for improvement in surgical dermatology (surgical oncology and plastic surgery).
Methods: The authors conducted a systemic review to assess current AJCC guidelines on when a SLNB in melanoma is indicated. We also investigated how age, mitotic rate, lymphovascular invasion, satellitosis, melanoma subtype, anatomical location, and an immunocompromised state affected positivity rates in sentinel lymph node biopsies in melanoma.
Results: These variables significantly impacted SLNB positivity rates and serve as evidence to support the proposal of redesigning SLNB guidelines in melanoma.
Conclusions: Integrating the current AJCC guidelines with the newly examined variables will create patient-specific recommendations centered on the aim of reducing the number of invasive procedures while increasing SLNB positivity rates and prognostication.
Keywords: Melanoma; Sentinel Node Biopsy; Surgical Dermatology.
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