The main merits of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with cutaneous melanoma reside in the possibility of avoiding unnecessary radical nodectomies and of allowing a correct identification of the lymphatic draning basin, specially when the tumor is located in areas of ambiguous drainage. It is currently incorporated as a prognostic factor, being important for correct staging of the patient. This paper reports two cases in which the use of this technique was extremely useful, above all for having identified the presence of lymphatic drainage for two distinct basins. It is important for dermatologists to be aware of the correct indication of such technique, in order to guide patients in the best possible manner.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy; Radionuclide imaging; Melanoma; Skin neoplasms; Medical oncology
