This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Diagnostic test accuracy). The objectives are as follows:

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of SLNB for the detection of nodal metastases (in the investigated nodal basin) for the staging of cutaneous invasive melanoma.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests for the detection of any metastasis in the primary staging of cutaneous invasive melanoma (i.e. staging at presentation).

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests for the detection of any metastasis in the staging of recurrence in cutaneous invasive melanoma (i.e. re‐staging prompted by findings on routine follow‐up).