A new editorial in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that routine ultrasound surveillance for sentinel node–positive melanoma patients may no longer be necessary when cross-sectional imaging is already in use.
Drawing on recent evidence, the authors highlight that cross-sectional imaging is the most reliable method for detecting both nodal and distant recurrences. In contrast, routine ultrasound surveillance has seen limited uptake in practice and may add little value when cross-sectional imaging is already being performed.
The editorial argues that continuing both modalities is redundant and calls for updated clinical guidelines to reflect current practice.
Source:
van Akkooi, A.C.J., Hieken, T.J. Optimal Follow-Up of Sentinel Node Positive Melanoma Patients?. Ann Surg Oncol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-026-19547-8