Lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative lymphatic mapping of sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients

J Nucl Med Technol. 1999 Dec;27(4):309-17.

Abstract

Identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) using lymphoscintigraphy, the blue dye technique and intraoperative lymphatic mapping with a gamma-detecting probe has become the standard of care in diagnosing and treating melanoma. Numerous clinical studies have proven the reliability of predicting the histology of remaining lymph nodes in the lymphatic basin from the histologic evaluation of the SLNs. Technical and clinical factors presented in this paper have been shown to increase the accuracy of localization of SLNs. The nuclear medicine technologist shares a vital role in the radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration for preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative lymphatic mapping in patients with melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Melanoma / surgery*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • iso-sulfan blue
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid