However, there is no validated consensus method for the optimal histologic analysis of SLNs harvested from melanoma patients. SLN status has been shown to be a strong predictor of prognosis, and a variety of techniques have been used to identify minimal metastatic disease in SLNs.
Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are widely used as a staging technique for patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma who are at risk for metastases.
