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Melanoma Nomogram
Melanoma Nomogram
This tool can be used to predict the probability that a melanoma will spread to the sentinel lymph node

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering have developed a prediction tool (nomogram) to calculate the likelihood that disease has spread to lymph nodes in patients with melanoma. It is designed to individualize the risk estimate for each patient with better discrimination than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. This user-friendly nomogram takes several characteristics into account simultaneously to predict the presence of metastasis, or the cancer's spread, to nearby lymph nodes when a sentinel node biopsy is performed.

Who Is This Tool For?

This nomogram can be used for patients who have a primary cutaneous melanoma. While the melanoma may have been biopsied or excised previously, sentinel node biopsy cannot have been performed. The nodal basins in proximity of the melanoma should not have any enlarged lymph nodes on physical examination.

Supporting Publication
Supporting Publication
Visit PubMed to view the journal articles that support this nomogram.

Our nomogram only utilizes routine predictors that are commonly available based on patient and primary tumor characteristics. Because the indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma are not universally agreed upon, especially for very thin or very thick lesions, the nomogram alone is not a substitute for a consultation with your doctor. The nomogram predicts the probability of sentinel node involvement, but the threshold prompting sentinel lymph node biopsy should be decided between an individual patient and his or her physician.

What Information Will You Need?

To use this nomogram, you will need the following information:

Needed Information Parameters/Further Explanation
Tumor thickness Measured in mm, between 0.01 mm and 10 mm
Clark level Defined as Clark level II, III, IV, or V
Age

Defined in years, between 20 and 100

Location of tumor Categorized as Head and Neck, Extremity, or Trunk
Presence of ulceration Categorized as Yes or No

How to Access the Tool

To use the online version of this prediction tool, click here or on "open calculator" in the box at the top of the page.

Contact Us

If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at nomograms@mskcc.org.


Last Updated: Oct. 1, 2009
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