Prognosis and surgical management of patients with palpable inguinal lymph node metastases from melanoma

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.2000.01439.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T07:15:13Z
• Authors: T M D Hughes; R P A'Hern; J M Thomas
• Keywords: Groin; Univariate analysis

Abstract Background The appropriate management of melanoma metastatic to inguinal lymph nodes remains controversial. aim this study was identify disease- and treatment-related factors that influence the outcome patients undergoing therapeutic groin dissection for clinically detectable node metastases. Methods A retrospective analysis performed on data collected from case records who had a between 1984 1998. Results Some 132 were suitable inclusion. Sixty superficial (SLND) 72 combined pelvic (CLND). There no difference in postoperative morbidity or major lymphoedema SLND CLND. overall survival rate 34 per cent at 5 years. On univariate analysis, age (P = 0·003), number involved 0·001) presence extracapsular spread 0·003) found have significant impact survival. absence metastases CLND prognostic factor (5-year 19 versus 47 cent; P 0·015). Conclusion prognosis with is variable related biological characteristics each case. provided additional information optimal regional control increased compared SLND.