Is Removal Of Lymph Nodes Along With Melanoma A Normal Procedure?

Posted on Tue, 9 May 2017

Question: I'm having a melanoma removed from my left back up by the shoulder. Im told its a .5. I have to have some nuclear XXXXXXX test done and then they say maybe but more than likely have some lymph nodes removed. Is this necessary? I have know several people who had a melenoma removed and none of them had this done.

Thanks! YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Yes it is necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.
I have gone through the details.
Yes, it is an advanced form of treatment that your doctor is talking about which is known as sentinel nod detection.
Nuclear XXXXXXX is injected and if the nodes lighten up on gamma camera, it suggest that tumor has spread upto those nodes. Then those nodes too require removal Please go for this test.

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (6 hours later)

Is it possible that none of the lymph nodes would lighten up in this procedure? Or is there always one or more ?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello . Yes it is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Yes it is possible if there is no tumor spread to lymph nodes. In that case you are lucky that tumor has not spread.
Thanks and regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T