Redefinition of cutaneous lymphatic drainage with the use of lymphoscintigraphy for malignant melanoma

Article Abstract:

Malignant melanoma is a cancerous tumor that contains melanocytes, or cells that produce pigment. These tumors are usually found in the skin. Part of the initial treatment for melanoma may include elective excision of lymph nodes. Although this elective node removal remains controversial, melanoma can metastasize (spread) to unexpected groups of lymph nodes. Identification of the lymph drainage pattern for a particular skin site would be helpful in directing the choice of lymphatic dissection. Lymphoscintigraphy is a reliable method of studying the flow of lymph from the skin. A study was undertaken of 82 melanoma patients using lymphoscintigraphy. The information obtained from these studies differed considerably from the classic anatomical studies, and results from lymphoscintigraphy correlated better with clinical experience. The pattern of lymph flow from the skin was found to be very individual; larger than expected areas were shown to have unpredictable drainage. There are four areas in the trunk of the body where the lymphatic flow is 100 percent predictable. A comparison of the preoperative prediction of lymphatic flow, based on anatomic guidelines, and the lymphatic flow seen by lymphoscintigraphy was undertaken. Based on anatomic guidelines, 48 of the 82 patients (59 percent) would not have had adequate removal of lymphatic tissue that was at risk for harboring metastatic disease. The authors suggest that all patients with head, neck and shoulder melanoma undergo lymphoscintigraphy to identify possible areas of lymphatic tissue at risk for metastasis. In addition, patients with truncal melanoma outside the four areas of unambiguous drainage should also undergo lymphoscintigraphy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Melanoma, Lymphatics, Lymphatic system, Radionuclide imaging, Radioisotope scanning

---

Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy for breast cancer - not yet the standard of care

Article Abstract:

Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy may permit breast cancer staging with less surgical trauma than the biopsy of nodes in the armpit, but researchers must first establish its accuracy. Injecting dye or a radioactive tracer around a breast tumor allows the identification and biopsy of local lymph nodes. The presence or absence of cancer in nodes receiving lymph drainage from the tumor site may accurately predict the status of more distant lymph nodes. Before this procedure replaces axillary-node biopsy, researchers must be certain that it can as accurately and reliably diagnose cancer spread.

Column, Identification and classification, Tumors, Lymph node biopsy

---

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in the patient with breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in women with breast cancer could identify those with metastatic cancer and could be performed in an outpatient setting. This technique involves staining the lymph nodes in the armpit and surgically removing only the node nearest the tumor, which is called the sentinel node. This node can be sent to a pathologist for detailed examination. In 57 women with breast cancer who had all their underarm lymph nodes removed, the sentinel node tested positive for metastatic cancer in all those who were found to have metastatic cancer.

Surgery, Lymph node excision

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease by screening for cervical chlamydial infection. Expanding efforts to prevent chlamydial infection
• Abstracts: Prevention of hepatitis B virus transmission by immunization: an economic analysis of current recommendations
• Abstracts: Ban genetic discrimination? Congress eyes plan to prevent denial of health insurance. New Congress to consider expansion of health insurance
• Abstracts: Local health plan to merge with Colorado Blue Cross. Merger of D.C., Maryland Blues plans gets regulatory OK
• Abstracts: As discoveries unfold, a new urgency to bring genetic literacy to physicians. Researchers hope techno-teaching will improve cancer pain treatment

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.