Abstract: Sentinel lymph node biopsy has a very important function in the accurate staging, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant melanoma. The operational technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been basically mature, but its indications remain unclear, especially for thin melanomas. Adequate evidence to show that SLNB combined with a complete lymph node dissection can prolong the survival of patients with metastasis is unavailable. Given the low incidence of malignant melanoma in the country, the use of SLNB has not been extensively investigated in China and the relevant methods are outdated. This review summarizes the current application of SLNB in cutaneous malignant melanoma by analyzing related studies conducted in recent years.