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Aust J Gen Pract 2020 06;49(6):355-362

MPH (Hons), PhD, Head of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group, Sydney School of Public Health and Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, NSW; Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW.

Background And Objectives: In Australia, the uptake of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) appears low despite clinical practice guideline recommendations. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) to SLNB.

Method: GPs were recruited at an annual conference and a skin cancer skills workshop, and using GP professional communications. Read More

Pathologe 2020 May;41(3):281-292

Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland.

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that originates from cells of the melanocytic lineage and is associated with an invasive growth pattern and early spread. Besides endogenous risk factors such as fair skin type or genetic disposition for the formation of multiple nevi, exposure to ultraviolet light is the most important exogenous risk factor. Treatment of patients with primary tumors includes the complete excision of the primary lesion with appropriate safety margins and in patients with an increased risk of metastasis sentinel lymph node excision. Read More

Hautarzt 2020 Jan;71(1):63-77

Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland.

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that originates from cells of the melanocytic lineage and is associated with an invasive growth pattern and early spread. Besides endogenous risk factors such as fair skin type or genetic disposition for the formation of multiple nevi, exposure to ultraviolet light is the most important exogenous risk factor. Treatment of patients with primary tumors includes the complete excision of the primary lesion with appropriate safety margins and in patients with an increased risk of metastasis sentinel lymph node excision. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2019 12;45 Suppl 2:S118-S128

Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Background: Mohs micrographic surgeons should be adept in identifying and managing perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and single-cell spread (SCS), features denoting high-risk behavior of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC).

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the literature and guidelines regarding the diagnosis of PNI, LVI, and SCS in BCC, cSCC, and MAC and examine the role of advanced diagnostic studies, adjuvant therapy, and reconstructive techniques of these high-risk tumors.

Materials And Methods: We performed a literature search including the following terms: PNI, LVI, SCS, BCC, cSCC, keratinocyte carcinoma, MAC, sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiation, chemotherapy, and staging. Read More

Oral Oncol 2019 11 28;98:102-108. Epub 2019 Sep 28.

Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address:

Non-melanomatous skin cancer (NMSC) generally refers to basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The majority of patients are curatively treated with simple excision. Only few present with locally advanced disease or have evidence of high-risk features, placing them at an elevated risk of relapse. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2020 Jan 28;73(1):36-42. Epub 2019 Jun 28.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has been at the forefront of the surgical staging of melanoma patients for the past 15 years. The high accuracy of this prognostic staging procedure is now recognised in all international guidelines for melanoma. However during this period there have been a number of important changes in the management of melanoma, many occurring within the past five years. Read More

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 2019 Jul;41(7):481-485

Department of Orthopedic Oncology Surgery, Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100035, China.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor derived from the skin and mucous membrane, the epidemiological data showed that the incidence of melanoma elevated rapidly in the last decade. Early lymph node metastasis is a distinguishing characteristic of melanoma. The assessment of regional lymph nodes is a vital factor for melanoma staging and comprehensive therapeutic strategies. Read More

FP Essent 2019 Jun;481:17-22

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime; 97% of these cancers will be nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) comprises approximately 80% of NMSCs and most of the remainder are cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The predominant risk factor for NMSC is exposure to solar UV radiation. Read More

Neoplasma 2019 Jul 24;66(4):647-651. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Department of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.

The standard approach in the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma is considered to be a complete excision of the primary lesion with an appropriate margin of the normal tissue according to Breslow thickness. Usually sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can help to determine the nodal status, and thus improve the accuracy of staging of the disease. However, the role of SLNB in melanoma treatment remains controversial. Read More

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2019 ;29(1):17-24

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.

Low melanin level in white skin results in many genetic alterations that activate oncogenes to form metastatic melanomas because of interaction with ultraviolet rays. These melanomas are uncommon, but they are dangerous and spread rapidly in the individual's body. Individuals with fair, freckled skin; a weak immune system; or have a personal or family history of melanoma are at high risk to have melanoma. Read More

Paediatr Drugs 2019 Apr;21(2):71-79

School of Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.

Although melanoma is a rare diagnosis in the pediatric population, advances in the management of adults with melanoma offer the prospect of promising therapeutic options for children. At this time, medical management is not considered curative but may reduce the risk of recurrence or prolong survival. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment. Read More

J Surg Oncol 2019 Jun 18;119(8):1060-1069. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Background: The prognostic benefit of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and factors predictive of survival specifically in patients with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) are unknown.

Methods: The SEER database was queried for ALM cases that underwent SLNB from 1998 to 2013. Clinicopathological factors were correlated with SLN status, overall survival (OS), and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 04;82(4S Suppl 3):S192-S194

From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Introduction: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has the ability to metastasize widely. Accurate diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) is crucial to its management. The gold standard for SLN identification is planar lymphoscintigraphy. Read More

Melanoma Res 2019 04;29(2):163-171

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit.

This study aimed to investigate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) tumour burden to predict the non-SLN positivity rate and the survival of melanoma patients to evaluate whether SLN microstaging could predict the prognosis, similar to what is currently performed by examining the lymph nodes excised by complete lymph node dissection. Of 1130 consecutive melanoma patients who underwent SLN biopsy, 226 were tumour-positive and 204 were included in this study. SLN metastases were classified on the basis of dimensional (Rotterdam) and topographic (Dewar) criteria either separately or combined. Read More

J Surg Res 2019 04 7;236:83-91. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Division of Surgical Oncology, Jackson Memorial Hospital and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Background: The optimal management of melanoma with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) remains unclear. Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) only yields additional positive non-SLN in 20% of cases and its benefits on survival remains debatable.

Methods: An online database search of Medline was performed; key bibliographies were reviewed. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Apr 22;80(4):1168-1171. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

The Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trials indicate that there are no overall or melanoma-specific survival advantages to performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) followed by immediate completion lymph node dissection compared with wide excision and observation for patients with positive sentinel nodes. These results make SLNB solely a staging procedure. The role of SLNB in the management of patients with melanoma deserves reappraisal. Read More

Clin Transl Oncol 2019 Jul 23;21(7):845-854. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Section of Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', P.za Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.

Background: Immune markers in the peripheral blood of melanoma patients provide useful information for clinical management although there is poor consensus on circulating cells which could putatively reflect the disease activity and play a prognostic role. Here, we investigated both dendritic cells (DCs) and T-regulatory cells (Tregs).

Methods: The number of DC subsets as myeloid (m) and plasmacytoid was measured by flowcytometry in 113 melanoma patients in different clinical stages and correlated with the disease activity to evaluate the recurrence free survival (RFS) calculated as difference between baseline and post-surgical values in relation to the criteria for the melanoma staging, as primary tumor removal, sentinel lymph node biopsy and completion of lymph node dissection. Read More

J Surg Res 2018 12 18;232:365-368. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio. Electronic address:

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare skin cancer with high rates of regional lymph node involvement and metastatic spread. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for staging purposes. The goal of this study is to report our experience utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-based technology to aid in SLNB detection in MCC. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2019 Feb;27(1):119-129

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1445, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. Electronic address:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy uses the concept of selective lymphatic drainage and the lymphatic microvasculature to identify first-echelon nodes draining a given malignancy. Although initially considered difficult and unreliable in the head and neck, experience with the technique has improved and evolved significantly over the last 3 decades. It is now recognized to be accurate and reliable for regional nodal staging and detection of occult nodal metastasis in the head and neck. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 01 1;80(1):208-250. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

American Academy of Dermatology, Rosemont, Illinois.

The incidence of primary cutaneous melanoma continues to increase each year. Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths, but treatment is usually curative following early detection of disease. In this American Academy of Dermatology clinical practice guideline, updated treatment recommendations are provided for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages 0-IIC and pathologic stage III by virtue of a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy). Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2018 Nov;19(Suppl 1):24-30

Mohs Surgery Unit, Institute of Oncology Angel H. Roffo, University of Buenos Aires, Av San Martin 5481, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of melanoma pathophysiology and therapy, patients with metastatic melanoma still have a poor prognosis. The management of regional nodes remains a matter of debate. By replacing elective lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy has revolutionized the treatment of malignant melanoma. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2019 Apr 3;26(4):1028-1034. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.

Purpose And Methods: Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) for sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive melanoma patients has been guideline-concordant standard of care since adoption of lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy for the management of clinically node-negative melanoma patients more than 20 years ago. However, a trend for omission of CLND has been observed over the past decade, and we now have randomized, controlled clinical trial data to help guide treatment recommendations. Publication of these data prompted an American Society of Clinical Oncology-Society of Surgical Oncology 2018 clinical practice guideline update for these patients. Read More

Cancer Discov 2019 01 2;9(1):82-95. Epub 2018 Oct 2.

The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Older patients with melanoma have lower rates of sentinel lymph node (LN) metastases yet paradoxically have inferior survival. Patient age correlated with an inability to retain Technetium radiotracer during sentinel LN biopsy in more than 1,000 patients, and high Technetium counts correlated to better survival. We hypothesized that loss of integrity in the lymphatic vasculature due to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation might play a role. Read More

J Dermatol 2018 Oct 10;45(10):1191-1194. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Although the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as a prognostic factor is well established, its consequences for therapy are controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze if complete lymph node dissection (CLND) in patients with more than one positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) significantly improves melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Medical records of patients who underwent SLNB between 2001 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Cologne were reviewed, and patients with positive SLN were identified. Read More

Target Oncol 2018 10;13(5):567-582

Department of Medical Oncology Unit-1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano and ENETS Center of Excellence, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.

Advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a very aggressive, rare neuroendocrine tumor of the skin with a high frequency of locoregional recurrence and metastasis, and a high mortality rate. Surgical resection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and radiotherapy represent the gold standard of treatment in patients with localized disease, while chemotherapy has a significant role in the treatment of advanced disease. However, no definitive evidence on the survival impact of radiotherapy in the advanced stages has been provided to date, and response to chemotherapy remains brief in the majority of cases, indicating an urgent need for alternative approaches. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2018 Jun;37(2):101-108

Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Surgery remains one of the key treatment modalities for melanoma. Wide excision of the primary site with sentinel lymph node biopsy for selected patients has been recognized as the standard surgical approach for patients with early-stage disease. Controversies persist regarding margin width, indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy, and surgical management of regional nodal basins. Read More

Am J Clin Oncol 2018 12;41(12):1162-1167

Division of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore.

Introduction: The evaluation of lymph nodes and the role of groin dissection for groin sarcomas has been controversial where there have not been previous studies or guidelines published. In this study, we aim to first formulate a clinical approach in the evaluation of regional lymph nodal metastases. Second, we aim to also evaluate the role of regional lymphadenectomy in the setting of pathologically involved regional lymph nodes for groin sarcomas. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 07;81(1):80-86

From the Institute of Nuclear Medicine.

Objective: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a widely accepted staging procedure for cutaneous melanoma patients who are at risk of clinically occult nodal metastases. Numerous predictive factors for regional lymph node metastases have been identified; however, few have been found to be reproducibly significant. Also, the role of blue dye in identification was questioned in recent trials. Read More

Australas J Dermatol 2018 08 11;59(3):235-236. Epub 2018 May 11.

Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 May;17(5):544-547

Importance: A 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test to predict metastatic risk in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma has previously been validated and is available for clinical use. The impact of the availability of such a test on clinical decision-making has previously been studied. However, little is known about which factors play a role in clinicians' decision to utilize the test. Read More

Head Neck 2018 08 22;40(8):1691-1696. Epub 2018 Mar 22.

Department of Otolaryngology, Ear, Nose, and Throat Institute, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

Background: The primary purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic role of primary dermal melanoma and tumor mitotic rate in melanomas of the head and neck.

Methods: A retrospective review of the histopathologic, clinical, and demographic data of 256 patients was performed to investigate the impact of primary dermal melanoma and tumor mitotic rate on sentinel lymph node positivity, recurrence, and 5-year overall and disease-free survival.

Results: Increased tumor mitotic rate, but not primary dermal melanoma, is a significant predictor of sentinel lymph node positivity and higher likelihood of recurrence. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2018 Mar 6;24:1359-1365. Epub 2018 Mar 6.

Department of Dermatology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the role of regression and other clinical and histological features for the prognosis and the progression of cutaneous melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2016, 403 patients with melanoma were treated and followed at our Department of Dermatology. Of the 403 patients, 173 patients had cutaneous melanoma and underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and thus were included in this study. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun 26;153(3):403-418. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile -

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer and is usually associated with a favorable prognosis in most patients. However, a small minority of patients will be diagnosed with a high-risk cSCC (HRcSCC) and a proportion will have a poor outcome, in some cases causing death. HRcSCC is characterized by an increase in aggressiveness manifested as local recurrence, the development of lymph node metastases, and occasionally death. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 Feb;17(2):196-199

Introduction: The surgeon's role in the follow-up of pathologic stage I and II melanoma patients has traditionally been minimal. Melanoma genetic expression profile (GEP) testing provides binary risk assessment (Class 1-low risk, Class 2-high risk), which can assist in predicting metastasis and formulating appropriate follow up. We sought to determine the impact of GEP results on the management of clinically node negative cutaneous melanoma patients staged with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Read More

Australas J Dermatol 2018 05 7;59(2):160-161. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

BMC Cancer 2018 02 5;18(1):130. Epub 2018 Feb 5.

Skin Cancer Institute, Northwestern University, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, 420 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.

Background: The heterogeneous behavior of patients with melanoma makes prognostication challenging. To address this, a gene expression profile (GEP) test to predict metastatic risk was previously developed. This study evaluates the GEP's prognostic accuracy in an independent cohort of cutaneous melanoma patients. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 02;78(2):249-261

Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

While the majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) can be treated surgically, the additional work-up and treatments indicated for high-risk cSCC remain undefined. In recent years, improvements in tumor staging systems have allowed for the more accurate stratification of tumors into high- and low-risk categories. This insight, along with the publication of cSCC guidelines, brings us closer to the development of a consensus approach. Read More

Mol Clin Oncol 2017 Nov 1;7(5):729-732. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, I-35128 Padua, Italy.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. It usually appears on the face and neck of elderly Caucasian people as a flesh-colored, erythematous or violaceous dome-shaped, non-tender nodule with a smooth surface. In immunocompromised patients with T-cell dysfunction, such as patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or solid organ transplant recipients, the incidence of this disease is markedly increased. Read More

Clin Plast Surg 2018 Jan 5;45(1):1-11. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 3-130, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G2M9, Canada.

The armamentarium of the modern breast surgeon includes the time-tested procedures of modified radical mastectomy and lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy with postoperative radiation, but has evolved to include several options that produce excellent oncologic endpoints and improved cosmesis. These options include skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction as well as oncoplastic procedures that allow larger excisions and better postoperative breast shape. This article provides an overview of these modern surgical approaches for breast cancer treatment. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2017 11 15;85:122-132. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Aim: To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in recurrence-free melanoma patients, with a focus on the association between melanoma-related limb lymphoedema and HRQoL.

Methods: HRQoL was evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the breast cancer module (EORTC QLQ-BR23) subscales body image and future perspective, the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General subscale social/family well-being and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were analysed using linear and ordinal logistic regression adjusting for age and gender. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 12 16;70(12):1789-1790. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

The Welsh Centre of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK.

Int J Dermatol 2017 Oct 21;56(10):1061-1064. Epub 2017 Aug 21.

Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Background: Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is a rare adenocarcinoma of the sweat glands.

Aims: We wish to report the treatment of two cases of ADPA with Mohs micrographic surgery and review the presentation, management, and prognosis of this rare malignancy.

Materials & Methods: Cases of ADPA were identified from recent surgery logs. Read More

Dermatology 2017 25;233(2-3):205-211. Epub 2017 Jul 25.

Dermatologic Clinic, Medical Sciences Department, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the prognostic role of multiple lymph node basin drainage (MLBD) in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy.

Background: MLBD is frequently observed in patients with trunk melanoma undergoing SLN. The prognostic value of MLBD in SLN-positive patients is still debated. Read More

Curr Oncol Rep 2017 Sep;19(9):57

Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1445, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Recent advances in the treatment of eyelid tumors have centered on the excision, evaluation of margins, role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and adjunctive/adjuvant systemic and radiation therapy. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on these advances.

Recent Findings: Mohs excision of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma continues to provide the greatest success in complete excision of the cancer, especially in those cases of high-risk disease including medial canthal location and recurrent disease. Read More

Australas J Dermatol 2017 Nov 14;58(4):268-273. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Worldwide, sentinel node (SN) biopsy for accurate staging is now part of the standard work-up of patients with melanomas ≥1.0 mm Breslow thickness, as it is for staging patients with breast cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging and surgical techniques have evolved to such a degree that a SN can be identified and removed in virtually every patient. Read More

Head Neck 2017 09 22;39(9):1840-1844. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University College Hospital, Galway, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the external ear have a significant rate of metastasis. The purpose of this study was to present analyzed factors associated with auricular SCC metastasis in order to identify a group that may benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all operable SCCs between 2009 and 2014. Read More

Eur J Surg Oncol 2017 Aug 25;43(8):1517-1527. Epub 2017 May 25.

Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Electronic address:

Imaging plays a critical role in the current multi-disciplinary management of patients with melanoma. It is used for primary disease staging, surgical planning, and surveillance in high-risk patients, and for monitoring the effects of systemic or loco-regional therapies. Several different imaging modalities have been utilised in the past. Read More

Lakartidningen 2017 05 9;114. Epub 2017 May 9.

Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset - Kirurgi Goteborg, Sweden Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset - Kirurgi Goteborg, Sweden.

Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2017 Mar-Apr;6(2):143-152

Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Eyelid malignancies represent between 5% and 10% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The gold standard treatment for periocular epithelial malignancies is surgical excision. Read More

Melanoma Res 2017 04;27(2):121-125

aDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, NorwichbDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, OxfordcDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, LeedsdSchool of Medicine, Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.

Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with melanoma. As survival outcomes improve, longer term quality of life questions become more pertinent and this study aims to assess the factors which may play a role following surgery. A total of, 221 patients who underwent wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma (AJCC stage I and II) were recruited from three UK centres. Read More