Sentinel Node Biopsy

A sentinel node biopsy is a surgical procedure used to determine if cancer has spread from the primary tumor site to the lymph nodes.

What is a Sentinel Node?

The sentinel node, also known as the sentinel lymph node, is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread from the primary tumor site. It acts as a "guardian" or "sentinel" of the lymphatic system, providing an early warning sign for potential cancer spread.

How is a Sentinel Node Biopsy Performed?

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

• A radioactive substance or dye is injected near the tumor site to help identify the sentinel node.
• The surgeon uses a special device to detect the radioactive substance or dye and locate the sentinel node.
• The sentinel node is then removed and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
• If cancer cells are found in the sentinel node, additional lymph nodes may be removed and examined.

Types of Sentinel Node Biopsy

There are two main types of sentinel node biopsy:

• Radioisotope-guided sentinel node biopsy: This method uses a small amount of radioactive material to locate the sentinel node.
• Dye-guided sentinel node biopsy: This method uses a blue dye to visually identify the sentinel node during surgery.

Benefits and Risks

The benefits of a sentinel node biopsy include:

• Reduced risk of complications compared to more extensive lymph node removal.
• Less pain and scarring.
• Faster recovery time.

The risks of a sentinel node biopsy include:

• Bleeding or hematoma at the injection site.
• Infection.
• Allergic reactions to the dye or radioactive substance.
• False-negative results, where cancer cells are present but not detected.

Cancers that May Require a Sentinel Node Biopsy

A sentinel node biopsy may be used to diagnose and stage various types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer.
• Melanoma (skin cancer).
• Colon cancer.
• Vulvar cancer.
• Penile cancer.

What to Expect After a Sentinel Node Biopsy

After the procedure, patients may experience:

• Pain or discomfort at the injection site or biopsy site.
• Swelling or bruising.
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area.
• Temporary changes in sensation or mobility.

Patients should follow their doctor's instructions for post-operative care and attend follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the biopsy and any further treatment options.