The Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Thin Melanoma (Breslow Thickness ≤ 0.75 mm and 0.76 mm - 1.0 mm Respectively): Our Results and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: The Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma is an important tool of staging. The impact on overall survival still remains unclear. The guidelines in regard to depth, taking in mind where SLNB staging benefits do not outweigh the risks of the procedure, are constantly reviewed and modified. Patients and Methods: From 2010 to 2015, 104 patients with thin melanoma Stage IA with presence of adverse or high risk features and from IB only TIb, N0, M0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC Melanoma Staging and Classification 7 th Edition 2009) were included and divided into 2 groups: Group A: 68 patients with Breslow ≤ 0.75 mm and Group B: 36 patients with Breslow 0.76 - 1.0 mm. Initially all patients underwent excision of the primary site and subsequently wide local excision and SLNB. We analyzed the histopathology reports of SLNB procedures in both groups. Results: There was no positive SLN in group A (0%). 4 patients from group B had positive SLN (11.1%) and underwent Completion Lymph Node Dissection (CLND). The total percentage of positive SLNs from both groups was 3.8%. Conclusions: Our findings justify the SLNB procedure in thin melanomas of 0.76 - 1.0 mm. In melanomas ≤ 0.75 mm, SLNB should be considered on an individual basis when “high-risk features” are present. More comparable studies should be evaluated in order to accurately define the threshold value of Breslow thickness where SLNB is safely deemed unnecessary.