Background
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor arising on the head and neck in 40%‐50% of patients. Between 20% and 40% will harbor subclinical nodal metastasis.
Methods
Using search terms ‘Merkel AND sentinel’, MEDLINE, PUMED, and EMBASE databases were systematically reviewed for publications regarding sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in classification I and II MCC of the head and neck.
Results
Twenty‐nine publications encompassing 136 patients were included. The SLNB finding was positive in 42 patients (30.9%). Primary MCC was located on the malar/zygomatic (34.4%), forehead/frontal (13.5%), and nasal (13.5%) regions. Recurrence in an SLNB negative nodal basin result occurred in 10 patients (false negative rate of 19.2%). Site of primary MCC was not associated with a false‐negative SLNB result; however, there was a non‐statistically significant trend for increased frequency among midline lesions.
Conclusions
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is recommended for eligible patients with classification I and II head and neck MCC.