Caution with sentinel node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma.

The article argues that, in the absence of a survival advantage, prognostic accuracy and effective adjuvant therapy, the indications for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in cutaneous melanoma should be reviewed. SNB should be performed only within the context of national or international randomized controlled trials. SNB in the head and neck calls for special attention because of the complex lymphatic and vascular drainage at this site.