Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma of the head and neck: a multicentre study to examine safety, efficacy, and prognostic value.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an accurate staging procedure for malignant melanoma but its use in patients with melanoma of the head and neck has been questioned in the past because of a perceived record of poor safety and accuracy. Technical improvements have sought to redress this. Vital structures and variable lymphatic pathways can make its use in the head and neck challenging. In our study we have examined the data and the experiences of clinicians from University Hospital Southampton and the Royal Surrey County Hospital. We retrospectively analysed the data and case notes of 143 patients who had SLNB to establish its safety, efficacy, and prognostic value. The detection rate of at least one sentinel lymph node was 100%. Nodes positive for metastatic melanoma were found in 20% of patients. Of them, 76% went on to have completion lymphadenectomy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that positive SLNB was a strong predictor of reduced overall survival for all Breslow-thickness melanomas (HR=3.9, p=0.019) and intermediate melanomas (HR=6.3, p=0.007). It predicted reduced recurrence-free survival for all melanomas (HR=7.4, p<0.001) and was a strong predictor for those of intermediate thickness (HR=8.3, p<0.001). The false negative rate was 9.4% and false omission rate 2.6%. Temporary and permanent morbidity rates were 2.1% and 0%, respectively. SLNB for melanoma in the head and neck is a safe, accurate staging procedure that offers prognostically useful information. The upstaging of disease allows access to trial-based targeted treatments.