Background: There is no consensus regarding the therapeutic utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus that of nodal observation (NO) in melanoma.
Objective: To prospectively evaluate a standardized counseling procedure and its effect on patient choices to undergo SLNB or NO.
Methods: In four centers, patients with melanoma eligible for SLNB or NO received a complete counseling procedure that included verbal information from dermatologists and surgeons, a detailed information sheet, and a written consent form. Data collected included patient and tumor characteristics, counseling conditions, and specialties of informing doctors. Factors influencing patients' choices were studied using multivariate analysis.
Results: Of 343 consecutive patients, 309 were offered SLNB and NO and received complete verbal and written information from a dermatologist alone (62%) or in association with a surgeon (38%). Approximately half took advice from trusted persons, and half asked for additional time before making a decision; 268 (86.7%) ultimately decided to undergo SLNB. Multivariate analysis showed that older patients, those with a head and neck melanoma, and those informed without a surgeon present were more likely to prefer NO.
Conclusions: This counseling procedure was easily implemented in clinical practice. Patients favored SLNB but were able to understand uncertainties and express preferences.
© 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.