Analysis of predictive factors for the outcome of complete lymph node dissection in melanoma patients with metastatic sentinel lymph nodes.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a widely accepted procedure to accurately stage patients with melanoma. However, there is no consensus concerning the practical consequences of a positive SLN, since a survival benefit of a complete lymph node dissection (CLND) has not yet been demonstrated.

Objective: We wondered whether we could identify a subgroup of patients with metastatic involvement of the SLN who could be excluded from the recommendation to undergo CLND.

Prognostic factors associated with sentinel lymph node positivity and effect of sentinel status on survival: an analysis of 1049 patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a widely accepted staging procedure in patients with melanoma. However, it is unclear which factors predict the occurrence of micrometastasis and overall prognosis and whether SLNB should also be performed in patients with thin primary tumors. At our Department of Dermatology, University of Munich (Germany), 1049 consecutive melanoma patients were identified for SLNB between 1996 and 2007, and were followed-up to assess disease-free and overall survival.

Microscopically controlled surgery (MCS).

To confirm a local R0 resection of tumors with infiltrative growth at problem sites and for sparing of tissue, microscopically controlled surgery represents a safe and proven method, particularly when there are no gaps between the tissue taken at the incision margins.

The use of high-resolution ultrasonography for preoperative detection of metastases in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) reliably assesses the status of the regional lymph node basins and provides prognostic information in patients with cutaneous melanoma, but is logistically demanding and expensive.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of high resolution B-mode ultrasonography (US) for pre-operative identification and characterization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective trial, the use of high resolution US was assessed in 25 consecutive patients with cutaneous melanoma identified for SLNB, first, for its value in primary detection of SLN, and, second, for its value in the correct assessment of SLN after lymphoscintigraphic mapping.

Dermatology - a surgical discipline - as exemplified by surgical procedures at the Hospital of Munich Thalkirchner Strasse.

Background: Despite the enormous progress in dermatosurgery during the last 35 years,this achievement is not always appropriately acknowledged by other surgical specialties. We outline the significance of dermatosurgery by looking at the development of dermatological operations at the Department of Dermatology,University of Munich/Hospital of Munich Thalkirchner Strasse.

Patients And Methods: Data were collected and analyzed from surgery records, tables and from the SAP ISH-Med.

[Intraoperative labeling of sentinel lymph nodes with a combination of vital dye and radionuclide tracer--results in sentinel lymph node-positive patients].

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy enhances the accuracy of tumor staging in patients with malignant melanoma and can help select candidates for regional lymphadenectomy. There are two techniques for identifying the sentinel lymph node: intradermal injection of a radionuclide tracer or of a blue dye. We evaluated both methods to determine how they can be best utilized to locate a sentinel lymph node.

Sentinel node mapping in patients with malignant melanoma using melanoma Tc-99m colloidal rhenium sulfide.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to localize the sentinel lymph node using lymphoscintigraphy aided by Tc-99m colloidal rhenium sulfide.

Materials And Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with histologically proved melanoma, but no clinical evidence of metastases, were examined before operation by injecting 20 to 40 MBq (0.5 to 1.

Frequency of facial basal cell carcinoma does not correlate with site-specific UV exposure.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in whites. Long-term exposure to UV radiation is considered a major risk factor. We decided to investigate whether maximally exposed areas of the body are also the most frequent sites where BCCs develop.

Micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinomas of the head.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a locally invasive malignant cutaneous tumour with a rising incidence. This tumour can be treated successfully by a variety of techniques, including local excision, radiation, cryotherapy, curettage, electrodessication and laser obliteration. Micrographic surgery is a specialised type of minimal marginal surgery that offers higher cure rates than do other options in the treatment of contiguous skin cancers in selected settings.