Response to: Routine usage of sentinel node biopsy in melanoma management must cease.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) was first popularized in the 1990s because it might save lives. The multicenter selective lymphadenectomy trial (MSLT) demonstrated that SNB and subsequent completion lymphadenectomy (CL) do not improve either five year or ten year melanoma specific survival. SNB is expensive and can affect ongoing quality of life. Complication rates of 10% can include anaphylaxis, persistent seroma, lymphedema, tattooing at primary site from dye, mobility impairment , recurrent infection chronic site pain, joint pain and nerve damage.