Sentinel node mapping for melanoma: results of trials and current applications.

The value of sentinel node (SN) biopsy as a staging procedure and as a guide to prognosis with patients who have melanoma is now clearly established. As well, there is recent clinical trial evidence suggesting a survival benefit for patients found to be SN positive who have an immediate complete lymph node dissection (CLND), compared with those with nodal disease not treated by CLND until it becomes clinically apparent. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine whether CLND is necessary in all patients who are found to be SN positive.