The Laryngoscope
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Review Case Reports
The application of sentinel node radiolocalization to solid tumors of the head and neck: a 10-year experience.
The goals of the research study were to develop an easily mastered, accurate, minimally invasive technique of sentinel node radiolocalization with biopsy (SNRLB) in the feline model; to compare it with blue-dye mapping techniques; and to test the applicability of sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy in three head and neck tumor types: N0 malignant melanoma, N0 Merkel cell carcinoma, and N0 squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ In head and neck tumors that spread via the lymphatics, it appears that sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy can be performed with a high success rate. This technique has a low false-negative rate and can be performed through a small incision. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the histological appearance of the sentinel node does appear to reflect the regional nodal status of the patient.