Prediction of melanoma metastasis by the Shields index based on lymphatic vessel density (original) (raw)

Predictors of sentinel lymph node metastasis in melanoma

Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie, 2010

BACKGROUND Several studies have examined the correlation between patient and tumour characteristics and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in patients with melanoma. Although most studies have identified Breslow thickness as an important factor, results for other variables have been conflicting. Much of this variability is probably because of differences in measurement techniques and reporting practices at different institutions. We sought to identify the predictors of SLN melanoma metastasis in our institution and patient population. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of 348 patients with malignant melanoma who underwent SLN biopsy at a single institution from January 1999 to April 2007. We compared multiple variables related to patient demographics, primary tumour characteristics and SLN characteristics between patients in the positive and negative SLN groups. RESULTS Breslow thickness and nodular tumour type were independent factors significantly correlated with ...

Clinicopathologic Predictors of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Thin Melanoma

Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2013

Purpose Indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for thin melanoma are continually evolving. We present a large multi-institutional study to determine factors predictive of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in thin melanoma. Patients and Methods Retrospective review of the Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group database from 1994 to 2012 identified 1,250 patients who had an SLNB and thin melanomas (≤ 1 mm). Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with SLN status and outcome. Results SLN metastases were detected in 65 (5.2%) of 1,250 patients. On univariable analysis, rates of Breslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm, Clark level ≥ IV, ulceration, and absence of regression differed significantly between positive and negative SLN groups (all P < .05). These four variables and mitotic rate were used in multivariable analysis, which demonstrated that Breslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm (P = .03), Clark level ≥ IV (P = .05), and ulceration (P = .01) significantly predicted SLN metastasis ...

Our experience of melanoma thickness as a predictor of outcome of sentinel node biopsy

Collegium antropologicum, 2008

All follow up protocols for patients with malignant melanoma (MM) are oriented to early detection of metastases. As most of the relapses happened in regional lymph nodes, special attention is given to this region, using different diagnostic tools. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is generally accepted method in determining status of lymph nodes in MM patients, in their staging. This method provides valuable prognostic information, facilitates early therapeutical lymphadenectomy and so provides good base for identification of those patients who are candidates for different adjuvant modalities of treatment. (In 2001 American Joint Committee on Cancer introduced new staging system for melanoma patients which presents good frame for prognosis and therapeutical approach. Inclusion of new criteria will allow better and more individualized prognosis and treatment.) The most important predictor of SLNB outcome is thickness of tumor according to Breslow, while there is no sufficient data to...