Sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma Journal Article


Authors: Gyorki, D. E.; Busam, K.; Panageas, K.; Brady, M. S.; Coit, D. G.
Article Title: Sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma
Abstract: Background: Although desmoplastic melanoma (DM) often presents at a locally advanced stage, nodal metastases are rare. We describe our experience with lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with DM to characterize the biological behavior of these tumors. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with cutaneous DM underwent wide excision and attempted SLNB between 1996 and 2001. All pathology was reviewed by a single dermatopathologist (KB). Clinical and histological features were recorded. Results: There were 20 male and 7 female patients. The median age was 64 years (range, 35-83 years). The head and neck was the most commonly involved anatomical region (n = 14). The median Breslow thickness was 2.2 mm. Twenty-four patients underwent successful SLNB. No patient had a positive sentinel node. At a median follow-up of 27 months, five patients recurred (four systemic and one local); all five had undergone successful SLNB. Two of these patients died of disease, two are alive with disease, and one remains alive and disease free. No patient experienced failure in a regional nodal basin. Conclusions: DM is a biologically distinct form of melanoma, with a very low incidence of regional lymph node metastases, either at presentation or in long-term follow-up. This biology should be considered when designing rational treatment strategies for these patients. & Wilkins © 2003 The Society of Surgical Oncology, Inc.
Keywords: survival; adult; cancer survival; clinical article; human tissue; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; cancer surgery; histopathology; mortality; review; cancer recurrence; follow up; lymph node metastasis; sentinel lymph node biopsy; melanoma; skin neoplasms; pathology; cause of death; skin tumor; head and neck neoplasms; experience; desmoplastic melanoma; head and neck tumor; local recurrence; humans; human; male; female; article
Journal Title: Annals of Surgical Oncology
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1068-9265
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2003-05-01
Start Page: 403
End Page: 407
Language: English
DOI: 10.1245/aso.2003.04.003
PUBMED: 12734089
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 25 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Katherine S Panageas
    512 Panageas
  2. Mary Sue Brady
    203 Brady
  3. Daniel Coit
    542 Coit
  4. Klaus J Busam
    688 Busam
  5. David Emerk Gyorki
    9 Gyorki