Sentinel Node Mapping for Melanoma

Effective treatment of melanoma depends on accurate information about the disease's spread. When any form of cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the cancer cells must first pass through the lymph nodes. These nodes can be biopsied (removed and studied for cancer cells), which lets the oncologist know if the cancer has spread. Since melanoma occurs on the skin, it is not obvious which lymph node the cancer would pass through. A decade ago, the only way to make sure any cancer spread was found was to biopsy all lymph nodes located near the tumor. Sentinel node mapping allows the oncologist to identify and remove only the lymph nodes most likely to contain cancer cells.

Nodes are mapped by placing radioactive material and / or dye in the tissue around the tumor. The patient is then placed in an imaging machine, and the radiation or dye is followed to the lymph node. That node is then removed and examined. By minimizing the number of lymph nodes that are removed, side effects such as numbness, swelling, infection and discomfort are minimized.

Sentinel node mapping is performed by the Department of Surgical Oncology. More information about this procedure is available at their website.