Cutaneous melanoma: role of ultrasound in the assessment of locoregional spread

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2010 Jan-Feb;39(1):30-6. doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2009.04.001.

Abstract

This article illustrates the various aspects of locoregional spread of cutaneous melanoma, as imaged with grayscale ultrasound (US) and Doppler techniques. High-resolution US allows recognition of small, clinically occult melanomatous foci within the skin and lymph nodes. Consequently, it plays a major role in locoregional staging and follow-up of patients with cutaneous melanoma. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of US in the initial staging (primary melanoma, satellite metastasis, in-transit metastasis, and lymphadenopathy), selection for sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, patient follow-up, detection of recurrence, and US-guided intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color*