Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for T1b Melanoma: Balancing Prognostic Value and Cost.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The purpose of this study is to report the additional prognostic information and cost associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with T1b melanoma.

Patients and methods

An institutional database was queried for patients with T1b melanoma (0.8-1.0 mm or < 0.8 mm with ulceration) with at least 5 years of follow-up. Results of SLNB, completion lymphadenectomy (CLND), recurrence, and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) were assessed. Institutional costs of melanoma care were converted to Medicare proportional dollars. A Markov model was created to estimate long-term costs.

Results

Among the total 392 patients, 238 underwent SLNB. Median follow-up was 10.5 years. SLNB was positive in 19 patients (8.0%). Patients who underwent SLNB had higher 10-

SUBMITTER: Hu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8366311 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature