Does sentinel lymph node biopsy treat melanoma?

During the procedure, a surgeon identifies the first lymph node or nodes that drain the area of the melanoma and removes them for examination. The result helps clarify staging and can guide decisions about further treatment. Removing a sentinel node is different from removing the primary melanoma, which is usually managed with surgery directed at the skin lesion.

A result showing no melanoma in the sampled sentinel nodes provides useful staging information, but it does not replace follow-up. If melanoma cells are found, the care team will explain what that means for the full treatment plan.

Ask the surgical team how the biopsy fits with removal of the primary lesion and whether it is recommended for your melanoma’s features. Before surgery, discuss the incision site, healing, movement, medicines, and how results will be shared. Keep the wound clean according to the instructions and report increasing redness, drainage, fever, or worsening pain.

Contact the treating team promptly for bleeding that does not stop with pressure, marked swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever, or a wound that opens. After recovery, arrange review for a new lump near the biopsy area, persistent swelling of an arm or leg, or a changing skin lesion. Urgent symptoms should be assessed without waiting for the pathology appointment.

What is the biopsy intended to tell us in my case? How will the result affect staging and treatment? What wound changes or swelling should prompt a call?