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.

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.

Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, predominantly affecting the skin and mucous membranes, with early lymph node metastasis. Early clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are closely related. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important indicator for clinical staging of melanoma, significantly affecting the oncological outcomes of patients and clinical decisions. This article introduced the definition, clinical significance, indications, detection method, and outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy, aiming to provide application guidance for subsequent clinical work.

Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, predominantly affecting the skin and mucous membranes, with early lymph node metastasis. Early clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are closely related. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important indicator for clinical staging of melanoma, significantly affecting the oncological outcomes of patients and clinical decisions. This article introduced the definition, clinical significance, indications, detection method, and outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy, aiming to provide application guidance for subsequent clinical work.