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SM Dermatology Journal

Sentinel Lymph Node Melanosis: A Report of Two Cases of Regressed Melanoma Metastases

[ ISSN : 2575-7792 ]

Abstract
Details

Received: 31-Jul-2017

Accepted: 18-Aug-2017

Published: 21-Aug-2017

Case Report | Volume 3 - Issue 2 | Article DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.36876/smdj.1014

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Steven H Sun1 , Sara B Peters2 and J Harrison Howard1*

1Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, USA

2Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA

Corresponding Author:

J Harrison Howard, Department of

Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology,

The Ohio State University Wexner

Medical Center and James Cancer

Hospital and Solove Research Institute,

Columbus, Ohio, USA,

Keywords

Regression; Tumoral melanosis; Sentinel lymph node; Sentinel lymph node melanosis

Abstract

Tumoral melanosis is found on histopathologic evaluation of a primary melanoma and is typically caused by regression of the tumor. The prognostic value of regression related to primary cutaneous melanoma has been controversial. Very few cases of melanosis in the sentinel lymph node have been described. We present two patients who presented with cutaneous melanoma and were found to have completely regressed metastatic melanoma present within the sentinel lymph node. One patient underwent completion lymph node dissection whereas the other opted for observation. Based on the outcomes of our two cases as well as review of other case reports of this phenomenon we discuss the biologic significance of sentinel lymph node melanosis and how it should be interpreted in relation to adjuvant therapies, staging, and follow up. Based on the unpredictable course associated with this finding we recommend that these patients be treated in a multidisciplinary fashion with treatment decisions influenced by the patient’s goals of care.

Citation

Sun SH, Peters SB and Howard JH. Sentinel Lymph Node Melanosis: A Report of Two Cases of Regressed Melanoma Metastases. SM Dermatolog J. 2017; 3(2): 1014.