Two Aussie melanoma experts are saying patients shouldn’t be undergoing a commonon diagnostic test called a “sentinel lymph node biopsies” (SLNB) on patient’s patients’ lymph glands, particularly on those under 40 years and over 60 years of age.

They say the results are not an accurate predictor of mortality and that many patients are being mismanaged, with potential side effects such as nerve damage.

Their findings, which now have the backing of many in the international medical community, say that patients should instead use a BAUSS score, which they say is more accurate and less invasive.

Luke Grant chats with one of the experts, Professor Anthony Dixon of the Global Melanoma Initiative, about why the BAUSS is a better indicator and if this is how Luke should have had his melanoma treated.