Reply to “Current controversies on sentinel node biopsy in thin and thick cutaneous melanoma”

Abstract

We thank Roncati et al. for their additional remarks regarding our review. We concluded that routine sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is not advocated in all thin melanoma (≤1.00 mm) patients, but can be considered for patients with a Breslow thickness ≥0.75 mm and adverse characteristics such as ulceration or mitoses. Current controversies on sentinel node biopsy in thin and thick cutaneous melanomaEuropean Journal of Surgical OncologyVol. 43Issue 2PreviewMadu et al. have valuably examined the current controversies regarding to sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in the management of cutaneous melanoma (M).1 In the subsection ‘SNB in thin melanoma’, the Authors conclude that SNB positivity rate is approximately 5% and no established predictive criteria for positivity exist. Consequently, the Authors write that routine SNB in all T1 patients is not advocated; however, SNB can be discussed with M patients with a Breslow thickness >0.75 mm and adverse characteristics, such as ulceration or mitoses. Full-Text PDF