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The single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography: a new procedure to perform the sentinel node biopsy in patients with head and neck melanoma

2007; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 17; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/cmr.0b013e3282ef415b

1473-5636

Piero Covarelli, Gian Marco Tomassini, Stefano Simonetti, Salvatore Messina, Carla Cini, Adolfo Petrina, Giuseppe Noya,

Optical Coherence Tomography Applications

The aim of this study was to define and validate a new technique to detect the sentinel node (SN) in patients treated for head and neck melanoma. In a small series of 23 head and neck melanoma patients, lymphatic mapping was followed by SN biopsy, using in 12 patients a new diagnostic imaging technique, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. The procedure is described and the major problems encountered are discussed. The preliminary data show that identification of SN using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography never failed in 12 patients, and biopsies performed, compared with those in a standard group, took significantly less time (Mann–Whitney test P=0.006). In conclusion, the authors underline the possibility of a wide use for this technique.