Patterns of recurrence following a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy in 243 patients with stage I or II melanoma.

Abstract

Regional nodal failures in melanoma patients following a negative SLN biopsy are infrequent and to date have most commonly occurred because conventional histologic evaluation was unable to identify occult metastatic disease. These data provide further evidence that lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy accurately reflect the status of the regional nodal basin. Specialized pathologic techniques are necessary to reduce further the already low false-negative rates and to improve disease staging.