Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure used to determine whether breast cancer or other types of cancer have spread to the lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from the primary tumor. By identifying and analyzing this node, doctors can accurately assess cancer progression and decide on further treatment plans while minimizing unnecessary removal of lymph nodes.

A radioactive substance or a blue dye is injected near the tumor to identify the sentinel lymph node. Surgeons use a gamma detector or visual guidance to locate the first lymph node that absorbs the tracer. The identified node is surgically removed and sent for pathological examination to check for the presence of cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the sentinel node, additional lymph nodes may need to be removed (axillary lymph node dissection), while a negative result means further lymph node removal may not be necessary.

SLNB has revolutionized cancer staging and treatment, allowing for more precise and patient-friendly approaches. By avoiding the unnecessary removal of multiple lymph nodes, this technique ensures better quality of life, reduced post-surgical complications, and improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients.