A common procedure is not only safe for diagnosing melanomas in the head and neck, but can also help determine the most effective course of treatment. Sentinel lymph node biopsy involves injecting a special dye to identify the first node where cancer would likely spread. If that node is clean, patients can avoid further debilitating surgery to remove multiple lymph nodes. If the node shows cancer, patients know they need more extensive surgery or further treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial. Patients with larger melanomas are routinely offered this procedure.
