Abstract

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a staging procedure used to determine the nodal status of patients with melanoma. It has a significantly lower complication rate compared with elective lymph node dissection. SLNB is not recommended for very thin lesions (Breslow thickness ≤ 0.75 mm). The combined lymphatic mapping technique of technetium sulfur colloid with vital blue dye would result in identification of the sentinel node in 99% of patients when performed correctly. SLNB is the single most important prognostic factor in melanoma patients without clinical evidence of nodal metastasis Currently, micrometastatic disease found on SLNB is an indication for completion lymph node dissection. In this review, both current literature and ongoing debates considering SLNB are discussed.