Sentinel node biopsy for staging of aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with a propensity for metastases and recurrence. The role of lymph node staging in this tumor is poorly defined. We describe the use of sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy in staging this tumor. OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss the use of lymphatic mapping in staging aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy was performed after excision of an aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma of the toe. RESULTS: Metastatic tumor cells were absent in sentinel lymph nodes by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunocytochemistry analysis. CONCLUSION: We describe the first reported case of staging lymph nodes in a patient with aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma utilizing sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy.