Korean J Dermatol.  2001 Nov;39(11):1293-1297.

Two Cases of Malignant Melanoma, Microscopically Metastasized in Sentinel Lymph Node

• Kim CW
• Kim YJ
• Kim SY
• Houh D
• Lee JJ

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a successful treatment of malignant tumor. The malignant melanoma is notoriously acknowledged as threatening and known to readily metastasize during the early stages. The solid tumors including malignant melanoma frequently metastasize to regional lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels. During the latest clinical amelioration, it has been clearly conspicuous that early discovery of metastatic pathological alteration in sentinel lymph nodes could prevent prophylactic regional lymph node dissection. Additionally, an application of an appropriate treatment is conceivable by accurately recognizing the stages of the illness. For malignant melanoma clinically without palpable lymph nodes, through the application of lymphoscintigraphy and vital dye staining, we report two cases of malignant melanoma, microscopically metastasized in the sentinel lymph node and review the previous literatures.

Keyword

Sentinel lymph node; Vital dye staining; Lymphoscintigraphy; Malignant melanoma

MeSH Terms

Early Diagnosis
Lymph Node Excision
Lymph Nodes*
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphoscintigraphy
Melanoma*