Results Of Lymph Node Biopsy Research Articles

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in operations for recurrent breast cancer

Background In a pilot prospective consecutive series on 50 patients with recurrent breast cancer, results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are reported. The interval between primary operation and recurrence was 8 years (range 1–18 years). Only three patients had not undergone dissection of the axilla (ALND). Results In 51% of patients scintigraphy disclosed sentinel nodes (SN). At operation SN was identified in 45% of patients corresponding to 83% of the SN's visualized by the scintigraphy. SN contained metastases in seven cases (16%), and the treatment plan was changed as a consequence of the SN examination. Conclusion SLNB can identify SN at a high rate, and the findings may influence further planning of treatment. SLNB should be a future standard procedure in operations for recurrent breast cancer. Next step should be a randomized study.

Sentinel node biopsy in cancer of the oral cavity

Sentinel lymph node biopsy represents a less invasive technique for detecting subclinical lymphatic metastases in patients with a known primary malignancy. This procedure was developed to address the management of the lymphatics for cutaneous lesions, especially malignant melanoma. For melanoma, lymphatic drainage patterns are very unpredictable, and the therapeutic value of extensive formal lymphadenectomies remains controversial. The technique is increasingly being applied to other malignancies. Multiple small patient series have been published evaluating the application of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy to cancer of the oral cavity. The technique requires the selection of patients without clinical or radiologic evidence of gross lymphatic cancer who are at risk for subclinical metastases. Subsequently, primary tumors are injected with a radioactive tracer, followed by radiologic imaging, and then gamma probe-guided lymph node excision through a small incision. Rigorous serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry is essential. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has not yet been validated as safe for oral cavity cancer, and a multi-institutional trial is currently completing accrual to correlate the histopathologic results of sentinel lymph node biopsy and subsequent selective neck dissection. The goal is to establish the predictive value of the less invasive procedure relative to formal lymphadenectomy. In this article, the authors describe the details of their surgical technique for sentinel lymphadenectomy as applied to oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Surgeon and community factors affecting breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy

Background We sought to determine whether the results of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are related to practice and community factors. Methods This prospective study included more than 300 surgeons from a variety of practice environments. Most surgeons had minimal experience with SLN biopsy prior to this study. Patients underwent attempted SLN biopsy, followed by completion axillary dissection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors related to the SLN identification rate and the false negative rate. Results A total of 4131 patients were enrolled. SLN identification rate was 93%; the false negative (FN) rate was 7.9%. The only factor that was significantly associated with improved SLN identification rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 2.36, P = .0126) and FN rate (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.32 to 4.79, P = .0073) was surgeon experience (>20 SLN cases). Conclusions Surgeon experience is the major factor that contributes to improved SLN biopsy results. SLN biopsy can be performed equally well by community and academic surgeons.

Sentinel node biopsy as an adjunct to limb salvage surgery for epithelioid sarcoma of the hand

BackgroundEpithelioid sarcomas of the hand are rare, high-grade tumors with a propensity for regional lymphatic spread approaching 40%.Case presentationA 54-year-old male with an epithelioid sarcoma of the palm was treated with neoadjuvant radiation, wide excision, and two-stage reconstruction. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was used to stage the patient's axilla. Sentinel node biopsy results were negative. The patient has remained free of local, regional and distant disease for the follow-up time of 16 months.ConclusionThe rarity of this tumor makes definitive conclusions difficult but SLN biopsy appears to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of these sarcomas.

The value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in elderly breast cancer patients

Background Although sentinel lymph node biopsy has been accepted as a useful procedure for certain breast cancer patients, the value of this procedure in the elderly remains unknown. We undertook this study to evaluate changes in adjuvant treatment attributable to sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods A total of 104 patients ≥65 years underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy plus lumpectomy or mastectomy for the treatment of clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer. Demographic, pathologic, and treatment data were evaluated using an SAS software package (SAS, Cary, North Carolina). Results Twenty-nine of 104 patients (28%) had metastatic disease in ≥1 sentinel lymph node. Nonsurgical treatment was modified in 38% of patients because of sentinel lymph node biopsy results. Changes included adjuvant chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy, adjuvant axillary radiotherapy, and decisions against adjuvant therapy. Conclusions These data suggest that sentinel lymph node biopsy in elderly breast cancer patients is beneficial.

Positron emission tomography is not useful in detecting metastasis in the sentinel lymph node in patients with primary malignant melanoma stage I and II.

The most powerful predictor for recurrence and survival in patients with primary malignant melanoma is the presence or absence of lymph node metastases. In the present study, 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) findings were compared with histopathological results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB). The purpose was to determine the value of FDG-PET in predicting regional lymph node involvement in patients with primary malignant melanoma stage I and II. Forty-eight consecutive patients with primary cutaneous melanoma stage I (Breslow thickness > 1 mm) and II underwent FDG-PET scans, preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, and SNB. The FDG-PET and SNB results were interpreted independently of each other and then compared. Of the 48 patients included in the study, eight (16.7%) had a positive SNB. PET was positive in only one patient with a positive SNB, yielding a sensitivity of 13%. All other positive sentinel nodes could not be detected by metabolic FDG-PET imaging. Our study revealed that FDG-PET is obviously not an adequate screening test for subclinical and sonographically inconspicuous lymph node metastases in patients with malignant melanoma stage I and II. The low sensitivity is probably due to the small size of metastatic deposits in sentinel nodes. Therefore, SNB remains the technique of choice for evaluating the histological status of lymph node basins in patients with early-stage cutaneous melanoma.

Vulvar melanoma: a report of 20 cases and review of the literature

Background Vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar malignancy and represents a significant women's health issue. Objective To report experience with 21 cases of vulvar melanoma in 20 patients and to review the literature about the condition. Methods Parameters retrospectively reviewed included age at diagnosis, family history of melanoma, location on the vulva, atypical nevi, Breslow depth, ulceration status, histologic pattern, presenting signs and symptoms, and the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Molecular characterization of the melanocortin type 1 receptor was performed in 1 patient. Results A family history of cutaneous melanoma was present in 15% of cases. The mean Breslow depth was 2.8 mm (range, 0.0-11.0 mm). Ten patients successfully underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, results of which were positive in 2 (20%). Reported for the first time is that one patient had a germline mutation in the melanocortin type 1 receptor. Conclusion Vulvar and cutaneous melanoma behave similarly despite their unique pathogeneses. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed successfully for vulvar melanoma.

Patterns of initial recurrence and prognosis after sentinel lymph node biopsy and selective lymphadenectomy for melanoma.

The histologic status of the sentinel lymph node is a highly significant prognostic factor for patients with clinically localized cutaneous melanoma. The patterns of initial treatment failure of patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy versus those with negative results have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative prognostic importance of sentinel lymph node status and to compare patterns of initial treatment failure and prognosis of node-positive versus node-negative cutaneous melanoma patients staged by sentinel lymph node biopsy and selective lymphadenectomy. The authors reviewed the pertinent demographic and surgical data in a consecutive series of patients with cutaneous melanoma who underwent sentinel lymph node staging of nonpalpable regional nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed using a combination of blue dye and radiolocalization. Patients with positive biopsy results underwent selective lymphadenectomy, whereas those with negative results were observed. Site(s) and date(s) of initial recurrence and death were determined, and disease-free and overall survival probabilities were compared between positive and negative groups using the log-rank test and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Between February of 1994 and August of 2000, 408 patients with melanoma underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy to stage 518 regional lymph node basins. Mean Breslow tumor thickness was 2.27 mm (range, 0.2 to 14.0 mm). Eighty-five patients (20.8 percent) had at least one histologically positive sentinel lymph node, and selective lymphadenectomy yielded additional positive lymph nodes in 18 of 84 patients (21.4 percent). Recurrences were noted in 70 patients (17 percent) at a median follow-up period of 31.4 months. Recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive biopsy results (36.5 percent) than in those with negative results (12.1 percent, p < 0.0001). Distant sites of initial recurrence were more likely in the positive group than in the negative group (71 percent versus 49 percent of recurrences, respectively; p = 0.06). The false-negative rate for sentinel lymph node staging was 4.5 percent and overall accuracy was 99 percent compared with clinical follow-up. Disease-free and overall survival correlated significantly with tumor thickness, ulceration, sentinel lymph node status, and the number of tumor-positive lymph nodes (two-sided p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Multivariable analysis revealed that sentinel lymph node status (p = 0.003), tumor thickness (p = 0.016), ulceration (p = 0.006), and age (p = 0.003) were significant independent predictors of survival for the entire group. Tumor thickness and ulceration were significant predictors of recurrence and survival in sentinel node-negative patients but not in sentinel node-positive patients. Sentinel lymph node histology is possibly the most important negative predictor of early recurrence and survival in patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I and II melanoma. The number of positive lymph nodes provides additional prognostic information. Although sentinel node-negative patients are a prognostically favorable group, various combinations of local and regional recurrences comprise the most common pattern of initial relapse after a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy result.

Le prélèvement du ganglion sentinelle dans le cancer du sein : aspects techniques et résultats

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer has been introduced in the mid-1990s and it has now been performed on thousands of patients. Although this procedure has not been validated by randomised clinical trials, it has been rapidly adopted around the world by surgical specialists in clinical practice as a diagnostic procedure instead of the axillary lymph node dissection. The critical issue in sentinel lymph node biopsy is the false negative results which could expose the patients to axillary recurrence and lead to understaging and incorrect adjuvant therapy decisions. The current problem is to perfect the procedure for an optimal use in routine reducing this risk of false negative results. This false negative rate declines sharply when the technique is performed in selected patients by experienced surgeons using a combined detection. In this article, we review the technical aspects and results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer and discuss the recommendations for the optimal clinical practice.

Evaluation of selective lymph node sampling in the node-negative neck.

To determine whether intraoperative selective lymph node sampling before neck dissection in the node-negative (N0) neck accurately reflects the disease content of the neck and can be used to assist in treatment selection. A prospective clinical study at a university medical center. Over a 2-year period, 36 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma scheduled to undergo 41 elective neck dissections were enrolled. At the initiation of the neck dissection, biopsy of the "most suspicious" lymph node within the tumor's primary nodal drainage basin was performed, and the specimen was measured and sent for frozen-section evaluation. The results of lymph node sampling were compared with the final histopathologic interpretation of the resected primary and neck dissection. Of the 41 N0 necks, 29% (12 of 41) were positive for occult metastases. Results of selective lymph node biopsy correlated with the results of neck dissection in 34 of 41 specimens (83%). The specificity and positive predictive value of node sampling were both 100%. The proportion of cases with a positive neck dissection with a positive sampled node (sensitivity) was 42% (5 of 12). The results of selective lymph node biopsy with frozen-section analysis in the N0 neck, as defined in the current study, did not reflect a technique with adequate sensitivity to alter intraoperative treatment strategy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous head and neck melanomas.

To report the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for cutaneous head and neck melanomas (CMHNs). Consecutive series followed for a median of 20 months. Tertiary cancer care center. Fifty-six individuals with clinically node-negative CMHN, median Breslow thickness, 2.6 mm (range, 0.2-20.0 mm). Preoperative technetium 99m sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy (PLSG) followed within 4 hours by intraoperative handheld gamma probe localization (IHGP). Intraoperative injection of 1% isosulfan blue dye (IBD) was used in 48 patients. Immediate completion nodal dissection was performed for metastatic SLNs on intraoperative frozen section analysis and monitoring for negative SLNs. Rate of SLN identification, SLN and non-SLN positivity, same-basin recurrence, and disease-specific and recurrence-free survival. Combination of IHGP and IBD improved SLN identification to 96% from 93% for IHGP and 73% for IBD alone. Four patients had a positive SLN on frozen section analysis. A negative SLNB correctly predicted regional nodal control in 47 of 48 patients but missed 1 of 5 patients who had regional lymphatic disease. All 4 patients who failed SLNB remain alive and free of recurrent disease. Two-year Kaplan-Meier disease-specific and relapse-free survival was 91% and 88%, respectively. Two-year disease-specific survival was 93% for SLN-negative patients and 50% for SLN-positive patients (P=.20). Combining PLSG with IHGP and IBD improves the success rate of SLNB. Although SLNB is a reliable indicator of the status of the draining lymphatic basins in CMHN, patients with negative SLNs must be observed for longer periods to understand the true implications of the procedure.

Relationship between existence of lymphatic invasion in peritumoral breast tissue and presence of axillary lymph node metastasis in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

Specimens obtained from 92 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast by quadrantectomy and axillary lymph node dissection were examined to evaluate the relationship between existence of lymphatic invasion in peritumoral breast tissue and presence of axillary lymph node metastasis. The number of lymphatic invasions was classified into 4 groups (ly0-3) by counting the number of peritumoral lymphatic invasions. In addition, immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin was performed to locate micrometastasis in the dissected lymph nodes. Thirty-seven (40.2%) of 92 cases had foci of lymphatic invasion and 29 (31.5%) cases revealed lymph node metastasis on initial routine examination. The rate of diagnosis of lymph node metastasis assessed by the existence of lymphatic invasion had an accuracy of 84.8%, a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 82.5%. On the other hand, all 3 cases (4.8%) with micrometastasis detected by immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin, showed lymphatic invasion. The rate of diagnosis after detection of micrometastasis increased and exhibited 88.0% accuracy. In addition, the rate of prediction of lymph node metastasis in cases with tumor larger than 15 mm was also high, and its accuracy was 88.2%. These results suggest that the assessment of peritumoral lymphatic invasion is very useful for predicting the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis including micrometastasis. They also suggest that excision specimens should be examined for lymphatic invasion, and that the results of the examination might be necessary to pick up false-negative cases and those at high risk for lymph node metastasis among patients who have not undergone lymph node dissection based on the result of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Use of low-dose technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid to locate sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma of the head and neck: preliminary study.

Because sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes that drain a primary cancer site, results of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy indicate status of the regional lymph nodes. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative combined application of the handheld gamma probe and blue-dye technique (i.e., the "combined technique") was used previously to accurately identify the SLN, mostly in melanoma of the extremities and trunk and, sometimes, in melanoma of the head or neck, which is anatomically complex. Because of this complexity, melanoma in the head or neck is inherently problematic to treat: Localization of the SLN can be difficult or impossible because the primary cancer site can be near or overlapping the nodal basin. The objective of the present study was to determine the technical modifications and other considerations that can make SLN localization feasible in cases of melanoma occurring near or overlapping the nodal basin in the head or neck. In a retrospective study of clinical records containing our database of melanoma diagnoses made between January 1996 and December 1999, we identified 27 patients diagnosed with stage I or II primary melanoma of the head or neck with clinically negative neck nodes who also had had preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Of the 27 patients (17 male and 10 female patients; mean age, 54 y), 24 had SLN biopsy by intraoperative localization using both the handheld gamma probe and the blue-dye technique. Among the 27 patients who had SLN mapping, a median Breslow thickness of 1.8 mm was noted. Sentinel lymph node was noted at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in 26 (96%) of the 27 patients. Activity of technetium Tc 99m (Tc-99m) sulfur colloid injected ranged from 10 to 1000 microCi (0.37 to 37 megabecquerel [MBq]). Intraoperative use of the combined technique for sentinel lymphadenectomy was successful in 92% of patients. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified in all 14 patients who received Tc-99m sulfur colloid at an activity level less than 60 microCi (2.2 MBq); mean activity level of injected TC-99m sulfur colloid was 28 microCi (1.04 MBq). Sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 8 (80%) of 10 patients who received Tc-99m sulfur colloid at an activity level greater than 100 microCi (3.7 MBq); mean activity of injected Tc-99m sulfur colloid in these patients was 482 microCi (17.8 MBq). A mean number of 1.4 sentinel lymph nodes per patient was identified at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, and a mean number of 3 sentinel lymph nodes per patient was identified intraoperatively using the combined technique. Tumor recurrence was seen in 2 (10%) of the 19 patients who had cancer-free SLN at mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 1 to 47 mo). Sentinel lymphadenectomy of the parotid region did not injure the facial nerve in any patients. For patients with primary melanoma that is near or overlaps the nodal basin in the head or neck, SLN biopsy can be accurately performed using Tc-99m sulfur colloid at low activity levels (10 microCi to 60 microCi [0.37 to 2.2 MBq]. However, background radiation from the primary injection site can incorporate the SLN, making localization at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy difficult if not impossible; therefore, the high doses commonly used for melanoma of the extremities and trunk (500 to 2000 microCi [18.5 to 74 MBq]) should not be used for melanoma of the head or neck if the primary site is near or overlaps the nodal basin. In addition, absorption of Tc-99m sulfur colloid by salivary glands increases background radiation in the nodal basin; therefore, use of the handheld gamma probe for intraoperative localization of SLN can be problematic in regions where lymph nodes are adjacent to or within the substance of the salivary gland (i.e., the submandibular and parotid glands).

Treatment of unicentric and multicentric Castleman disease and the role of radiotherapy.

Although surgery is considered standard therapy for unicentric Castleman disease, favorable responses to radiotherapy also have been documented. The authors undertook this study to analyze the clinical factors, treatment approaches, and outcomes of patients with unicentric or multicentric Castleman disease, and to report the outcomes of patients with unicentric Castleman disease treated with radiotherapy. The authors reviewed the medical records of 22 patients who had received a histologic diagnosis of Castleman disease at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1988 and 1999. One patient with a concurrent histopathologic diagnosis of nonsecretory multiple myeloma was excluded from the study. In all patients, the diagnosis of Castleman disease was based on the results of lymph node biopsies. Disease was categorized as being either unicentric or multicentric and further subdivided into hyaline vascular, plasma cell, or mixed variant histologic types. Clinical variables and outcomes were analyzed according to treatment, which consisted of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Records from 21 patients were analyzed: 12 had unicentric disease, and 9 had multicentric disease. The mean follow-up time for the entire series was 51 months (median, 40 months). Four patients with unicentric disease were treated with radiotherapy alone: 2 remain alive and symptom free, 2 died of causes unrelated to Castleman disease and had no evidence of disease at last follow-up. Eight patients with unicentric disease were treated with complete or partial surgical resection, and all are alive and asymptomatic. All nine patients with multicentric disease were treated with combination chemotherapy: five are alive with no evidence of disease, and four are alive with progressive disease. Surgery results in excellent rates of cure in patients with unicentric Castleman disease; radiotherapy can also achieve clinical response and cure in selected patients. Multicentric Castleman disease is a more aggressive clinical entity and is most effectively treated with combination chemotherapy, whereas the role of radiotherapy in its treatment remains unclear.

The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy

Background: Indications for prophylactic mastectomy (PM) range from LCIS to BRCA 1-2 positive, cosmesis, and cancer phobia. Occult cancers have been found in up to 5% of PM cases. Consequently, consideration must be given to the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy as a diagnostic procedure in these patients as PM excludes the subsequent option of SLN biopsy. Methods: From April 1994 to November 1999, all patients undergoing PM had SLN biopsy after four quadrant periaerolar injections of radiocolloid (450 mci) and blue dye (5 cc). All patients were prospectively accrued to the computerized database of breast patients. The SLN were all evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) as well as CAM5.2 cytokeratin immunohistochemical (CK-IHC) stains. Results: Over a 67-month period, 1,356 patients were mapped; 57 patients underwent PM in which 148 nodes (2.6 nodes per patient) were evaluated. Nodes were examined by routine H&E and CK-IHC staining. Two patients, neither of whom was found to have a cancer in the prophylactic mastectomy breast, were found to have a positive SLN by CK-IHC staining. Infiltrating carcinoma was discovered within the PM breasts of 2 additional patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was negative for malignancy by H&E as well as CK-IHC stains. No lymphadema has been detected in PM patients. Conclusions: Sentinel node biopsy has been shown to be an accurate and minimally invasive method of evaluating the lymphatic basin. This study shows that the absence of known disease within the breast does not preclude the presence of occult cancer or metastatic nodal disease. Four patients (7%) had a significant change in their surgical management as a direct result of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Two patients were spared the complications of a complete axillary node dissection. This minimally invasive procedure accurately evaluated the known disease status and provided new diagnostic information. Most important, once a mastectomy is performed, the opportunity for SLN biopsy is lost should a cancer be found within the breast specimen.

Microscopic Pulmonary Tumor Emboli: An Unusual Presentation of Breast Cancer.

We report a rare case of microscopic pulmonary tumor embolism from breast cancer in a young woman with no prior medical history. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea and questionable abnormalities of the left breast and axilla on physical examination. Results of an axillary lymph node biopsy and subsequent radiologic studies raised the possibility of either microscopic pulmonary tumor emboli or lymphangitic spread of cancer as a cause of the dyspnea. The patient died due to advanced breast cancer confirmed at autopsy despite chemotherapy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: experience with 234 consecutive procedures.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is increasingly used to identify occult metastases in regional lymph nodes of patients with melanoma. Selection of patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy and subsequent lymphadenectomy is an area of debate. The purpose of this study was to describe a large clinical series of these biopsies for cutaneous melanoma and to identify patients most likely to gain useful clinical information from sentinel lymph node biopsy. The Indiana University Melanoma Program computerized database was queried to identify all patients who underwent this procedure for clinically localized cutaneous melanoma. It was performed using preoperative technetium Tc 99m lymphoscintigraphy and isosulfan blue dye. Pertinent demographic, surgical, and histopathologic data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and classification table analyses were performed to identify clinical variables associated with sentinel node and nonsentinel node positivity. In total, 234 biopsy procedures were performed to stage 291 nonpalpable regional lymph node basins. Mean Breslow's thickness was 2.30 mm (2.08 mm for negative sentinel lymph node biopsy, 3.18 mm for positive). The mean number of sentinel nodes removed was 2.17 nodes per basin (range, 1 to 8). Forty-seven of 234 melanomas (20.1 percent) and 50 of 291 basins (17.2 percent) had a positive biopsy. Positivity correlated with AJCC tumor stage: T1, 3.6 percent; T2, 8.1 percent; T3, 27.4 percent; T4, 44 percent. By univariate logistic regression, Breslow's thickness (p = 0.003, continuous variable), ulceration (p = 0.003), mitotic index > or = 6 mitoses per high power field (p = 0.008), and Clark's level (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy result. By multivariate analysis, only Breslow's thickness (p = 0.02), tumor ulceration (p = 0.02), and mitotic index (p = 0.02) were significant predictors of biopsy positivity. Classification table analysis showed the Breslow cutpoint of 1.2 mm to be the most efficient cutpoint for sentinel lymph node biopsy result (p = 0.0004). Completion lymphadenectomy was performed in 46 sentinel node-positive patients; 12 (26.1 percent) had at least one additional positive nonsentinel node. Nonsentinel node positivity was marginally associated with the presence of multiple positive sentinel nodes (p = 0.07). At mean follow-up of 13.8 months, four of 241 sentinel node-negative basins demonstrated same-basin recurrence (1.7 percent). Sentinel lymph node biopsy is highly reliable in experienced hands but is a low-yield procedure in most thin melanomas. Patients with melanomas thicker than 1.2 mm or with ulcerated or high mitotic index lesions are most likely to have occult lymph node metastases by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Completion therapeutic lymphadenectomy is recommended after positive biopsy because it is difficult to predict the presence of positive nonsentinel nodes.

CD5- B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders presenting in blood and bone marrow. A clinicopathologic study of 40 patients.

We studied 40 patients with CD5- B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs) presenting in blood or bone marrow and 28 control patients with CD5+ B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Fifteen study patients had morphologic features typical of CLL. The 15 patients with CD5- CLL were older and had lower absolute lymphocyte counts and more advanced-stage disease at diagnosis than controls. Ten study patients had morphologic features suggesting mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); 3 were later given a diagnosis of MCL based on lymph node biopsy results. The 10 patients with CD5- MCL were older and at a more advanced stage than CLL control patients. The remaining 15 study patients were given the following diagnoses: circulating non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 5; splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes, 5; lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma, 3; and CLL/pro-lymphocytic leukemia, 2. For the patients with CD5- B-LPDs with morphologic features and manifestations resembling CLL, we prefer the term CD5- CLL variant because of clinical and immunophenotypic differences. Patients with CD5- B-LPDs with atypical nuclear morphologic features may represent the leukemic phase of MCL. Since CD23 is expressed in most patients with CD5- B-LPD, its use in subclassifying these disorders seems limited.

Lymph Node Histology in Typical and Atypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

According to the French-American-British (FAB) proposal on the classification of chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), the disorder can be subdivided into typical and atypical CLL. We recently demonstrated the prognostic significance of this subgrouping and based on these results we suggested that typical and atypical CLL represent two closely related, but different entities. These results prompted us to investigate 42 patients diagnosed with CLL based on the results of lymph node biopsy in order to identify the histologic counterpart of the CLL variants. A first group of 14 cases showed a monomorphic proliferation of small round lymphocytes associated with the occurrence of small pseudofollicles. All these cases were diagnosed as typical CLL on peripheral blood (13 cases) or bone marrow smear (1 case). The remaining 28 cases showed aberrant histologic features characterized by the presence of large numbers of paraimmunoblasts and prolymphocytes, forming very large pseudofollicles, and/or by nuclear irregularities of the neoplastic cells. Based on peripheral blood smears (22 cases) or bone marrow smears (six cases), two cases showed no peripheral blood involvement, 21 cases were diagnosed as atypical CLL, and five as typical CLL. From these data we can conclude that a histologic counterpart of the CLL variants recognized in the FAB proposal does exist; moreover, our data may explain reports on lymph node involvement by CLL composed of small cleaved cells and clarify the occurrence of pseudofollicles in cases described as mantle cell lymphomas.

Lymphadenopathy in an inner-city population consisting principally of intravenous drug abusers with suspected acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Generalized lymphadenopathy in intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) at risk for AIDS has not been well studied. We have retrospectively analyzed the results of lymph node biopsies obtained from 27 patients referred to the Infectious Diseases Service for evaluation of generalized lymphadenopathy and suspected AIDS during a recent 18-month period. Fourteen of the patients were heterosexual IVDAs, 7 were male homosexual IVDAs, and 6 were male homosexual non-IVDAs. All of the patients were residents of the Bronx, New York. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) was the most frequent diagnosis established on lymph node biopsies from IVDAs, in 12 out of 21 (57%). Tuberculous adenitis was not diagnosed in the 6 non-IVDAs. All TB patients were febrile, 11 (91%) had lost weight, and 10 (84%) had an abnormal chest roentgenogram. The 5TU PPD skin test, however, was reactive in only 2 (16%) of 12 patients. Tuberculosis is important to consider in patient populations with exposure histories to both AIDS and TB. The alarmingly high prevalence of TB in this drug addict population emphasizes the importance of lymph node biopsies with acid-fast smears and mycobacterial cultures in symptomatic IVDAs. Preventive antituberculosis therapy for HIV-positive persons, especially IVDAs, with a history of positive tuberculin reactions or of recent household contact should be seriously considered.