Subcostal Lymph Nodes: An Unusual Sentinel Lymph Node Basin in Cutaneous Melanoma

Background And Objectives: Lymphatic drainage from subcostal nodes, along the costal groove, have not previously been characterized as sites for melanoma drainage and metastasis. This study reports a series of patients with subcostal nodes draining primary melanomas, with characterization of the sites of primary melanomas that drain to these nodes.

Methods: Patients who presented to our institution between 2005 and 2020 with documented cutaneous melanoma and sentinel lymph node biopsy of a subcostal node (sentinel = S), or metastases to subcostal nodes later in clinical management (recurrent = R) were included. Patient demographics, melanoma pathology, nodal features, imaging information, surgical approaches, and outcomes data were collected.

Results: Six patients had subcostal sentinel nodes (SNs). Primary sites included the posterior trunk and lateral chest wall. Subcostal nodes were found under ribs 10-12. Subcostal SNs had at least one dimension measuring 3 mm or less. There were no surgical complications related to removing the subcostal SN.

Conclusions: Melanoma can metastasize to subcostal lymph nodes and be found at the time of SN biopsy or identified at recurrence. These small nodes are fed by lymphatic channels that run in the neurovascular bundle under the ribs. When lymphatic mapping identifies a subcostal SN, it should be excised.