Progress in sentinel lymph node tracing studies in elderly patients with melanoma
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20231023-00108
- VernacularTitle:老年黑色素瘤患者前哨淋巴结示踪研究进展
- Author:
Narbol KYLYSHBEK
1
;
Tianyi LIU
1
Author Information
1. 复旦大学附属华东医院整形外科，上海 200040
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Melanoma;
Elderly patients;
Sentinel lymph node;
Lymphatic vessel;
Lymph node tracer
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2025;41(6):653-658
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Over the past decade, the incidence and mortality rates of melanoma among elderly patients have been on a continuous upward trend. This population often presents multiple high-risk biological features, yet paradoxically demonstrates a lower sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity rate. The occurrence of regional lymph node metastasis is a critical factor in assessing the staging and treatment of melanoma. For patients with positive SLN, regional lymph node dissection is an essential measure to improve local control. The coexistence of a low SLN positivity rate and poor prognosis in elderly melanoma patients poses a notable clinical contradiction. This article reviewed the current status of SLN biopsy in elderly melanoma patients and the characteristics of lymphatic drainage in this population to explore the reasons behind the low SLN positivity rate. It also summarized commonly used lymph node tracing techniques and recent advances in preclinical research, aiming to accurately assess SLN metastasis in elderly melanoma patients and provide a reference for subsequent clinical treatment.
