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Clinical calculator summary

Sentinel Lymph Node Risk (Melanoma)

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is an important staging procedure for melanoma.

Evidence-based context for fast calculator use

Purpose:
Estimates sentinel lymph node positivity risk in melanoma based on Breslow depth, ulceration, and age to guide biopsy decision-making.
Population:
patients with melanoma pathology being assessed at the decision point described by the model
Factors:
Breslow Thickness, Age, Ulceration Present?
Reference:
Swetter SM, et al. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Melanoma: Cutaneous. Version 3.2024.
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Sentinel Lymph Node Risk (Melanoma)

mm
years

Clinical Context & Background

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is an important staging procedure for melanoma. This calculator estimates the probability of finding a positive sentinel node based on tumor thickness (Breslow depth), age, and ulceration, aligning with NCCN guidelines for T1a/T1b/T2 decision making.
Primary Source EvidenceSwetter SM, et al. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Melanoma: Cutaneous. Version 3.2024.
Formula Logic
Risk stratified by T-stage (Thickness/Ulceration) and Age.

Reference Data

Risk ProbabilityNCCN Guideline Recommendation
< 5%SLNB generally NOT recommended (T1a).
5% - 10%Consider SLNB (T1b). Discuss with patient.
> 10%SLNB Recommended (T2 or greater).

Clinical Workflow

Use, Interpret, And Continue The Patient Pathway

Expand for workflow guidance, limitations, examples, and related next steps.

When To Use

  • Use Sentinel Lymph Node Risk (Melanoma) when estimates sentinel lymph node positivity risk in melanoma based on Breslow depth, ulceration, and age to guide biopsy decision-making.
  • Confirm that the patient, diagnosis, disease phase, and available inputs match the cited model before calculation.

How To Interpret

  • Interpret the displayed result using the calculator-specific formula and reference table, spanning < 5% through > 10%.
  • A boundary result should prompt input verification and clinical review rather than false precision.

What To Do Next

  • Confirm Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic/pathologic features, anatomic site, age, staging, and multidisciplinary context.
  • Document the inputs, result, timing, and clinical context so the assessment can be reproduced.

Limitations

  • Sentinel-node probability does not replace AJCC staging or individualized surgical discussion.
  • The result supports clinician judgment and does not independently determine treatment.

Validated Population

patients with melanoma pathology being assessed at the decision point described by the model

How to apply this result

For a representative case, verify Breslow Thickness, Age, Ulceration Present?, calculate the result, and confirm that its classification matches the highlighted reference band before continuing the disease-specific pathway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should Sentinel Lymph Node Risk (Melanoma) be used?

Use it for patients with melanoma pathology being assessed at the decision point described by the model when all required inputs and the intended clinical setting are confirmed.

Can Sentinel Lymph Node Risk (Melanoma) determine treatment by itself?

No. Interpret the result with the cited evidence, complete clinical assessment, current guidelines, and patient-specific goals.

Evidence-based oncology decision support. Verify with clinical guidelines.