Surgical and Anatomic Considerations of Malignancies Affecting the Groin: Consideration for Melanoma

Abstract

For the approach to melanoma affecting the groin, most melanoma surgeons will consider actually two anatomic areas. The first is the superficial groin, also called inguinal groin dissection, consisting of the femoral and inguinal lymph nodes. The second being the deep groin also called an iliac or external iliac dissection, consisting of the external iliac and obturator lymph nodes. For purpose of clarity, in the remaining part of this chapter on melanoma, these will be referred to as superficial groin dissection (SGD), deep groin dissection (DGD), and a combined superficial and deep groin dissection (CGD). A combined groin dissection is sometimes also referred to as an ilioinguinal dissection. Another word for dissection is lymphadenectomy. While these techniques are described elsewhere in this text, it is appropriate to review them to help place the remainder of the discussion in context. The details which follow reflect the approach of this author and there is variation among experts.