Sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck cancer

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers a minimally invasive technique to examine the proximal lymph node basin for micrometastases in clinically NO necks in patients head and neck cancer. This technique has been validated in the management of breast cancer and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and is under active investigation in the management of multiple other solid tumors. SLNB is used routinely in the management of head and neck melanoma and is investigational for other cancers of the head and neck. SLNB provides prognostic information for patients, with CMM and identifies those patients that may benefit from additional treatment. This article examines the history, rationale, science, and current status of SLNB in head and neck with emphasis on melanoma.