Sentinel Node Biopsy for Head and Neck Cutaneous Melanoma

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the most precise and accurate staging technique for malignant melanoma. This resulted from international collaborations and technical innovations across subspecialties and systematic and methodical study of real-time clinical problems. This article describes sentinel node biopsy from conception to current techniques. Indications for the procedure and evidence of its prognostic value are discussed. Controversies surrounding results of Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial I and II and German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group Selective Lymphadenectomy trial are reviewed. Head and neck melanoma is presented as a unique subsite for performing sentinel node biopsy and when considering completion cervical lymphadenectomy