Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
When breast cancer spreads, it usually first travels to the lymph nodes in the axilla or armpit. Lymph nodes are small bean shaped organs that form an important part of the body’s immune system. Sentinal lymph node is the first lymph node which the cancer cells may most likely spread from a primary tumor. These sentinel lymph nodes are the first to drain the lymphatic fluid from the breast, thereby spreading cancer if it is contained in the fluid.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used for detecting, removing and examining to determine whether the cancer cells are present in the lymph node. For patient-centered care to improve quality of life and overall health outcomes, Our board-certified breast surgeon will use the latest technology and information management protocols to provide suitable lymph node localization to all the patients.
In sentinal lymph node biopsy procedure, sentinal lymph nodes are identified, removed, and sent for pathological examination to detect the presence of cancer cells. If the breast cancer cells spread into the lymphatic system, they travel to the sentinal nodes before moving on to the other nodes. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is based on the fact that tumour cells migrating from a primary tumour invade one or a few lymph nodes before involving other lymph nodes.
It is a minimally invasive technique and is a proven, reliable, and accurate alternative treatment modality for breast cancer patients. In the biopsy, the surgeon removes only a few (1-5) sentinel lymph nodes. Further dissection of the sentinal nodes reduces the chances of any sort of complications and in most cases provides the necessary information about cancer. If the sentinel nodes are free of cancer, it is assumed that the remaining nodes are also clear and no further lymph nodes are then removed.
What Are Lymph Node Or Glands
The human body consists of the lymphatic system – that has lymph vessels and lymph glands. They all together play a vital role in the body to fight off infections and tumors. Tiny channels carry fluid and debris to the lymph nodes or glands, which act as the filters.
Groups of lymph nodes are located in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. The lymph nodes that filter waste fluid and cells from the breast are primarily located in the armpit also known as axilla. They are the first ones to get affected if cancer spreads beyond the breast. The number of lymph nodes in the axilla may vary from person to person but it could be in they range from around 20 to 40.
How Is A Sentinal Lymph Node(s) Identified?
Sentinal lymph node imaging is a lymphatic mapping that is usually performed the day before or on the day of surgery. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the breast that flows through the lymphatic ducts. Lymphoscintigraphy – a radiological procedure, is used to find the sentinel lymph nodes which are then removed and checked for tumour cells.
Under anesthesia, a Blue Dye Injection is injected into the breast. The dye then flows through the lymphatic ducts into the lymph nodes. The first lymph nodes that receive the dye are then removed and viewed under the microscope to detect the cancer cells. The lymph nodes are not removed if the cancer cells are not found.
An Intraoperative gamma probe detection is used in the operating room, this directs the surgeon to the radioactive isotope which is injected several hours before the surgery. The radioactive sentinel nodes are then removed by the breast cancer surgeon and investigated for cancer cells. It is not necessary that all the lymph nodes contain cancer cells.
When Is Sentinal Biopsy Done?
The sentinal biopsy is usually performed along with breast surgeries. In rare instances, it is done as a separate procedure before mastectomy when immediate reconstruction is preferred. Based on the status of the sentinel node, one can decide about the post-surgery radiation which in turn is assessed and even may influences reconstruction decision.
False Negative Result
In some patients, the cancer cells may not be seen in the sentinel lymph nodes although they are present and may have already spread to other regional lymph nodes or other parts of the body. A false-negative biopsy result gives the patient and the doctor a false sense of security about the extent of cancer in the patient’s body.
Once you know the exact problem in the lymph nodes, a suitable lymph node localization treatment will be planned. Our breast surgeons, are based at suitable center and hospitals, where we apply technology advances for cancer treatment. We have expert breast cancer surgeons who offer a comprehensive range of breast cancer surgeries, including oncoplastic surgeries, sentinel lymphnode biopsies with dual tracer marking and hook wire localizations and more.
If you experience any of the symptoms of signs of breast conditions, and still have your doubts, or on the look out for a second opinion, .Contact us on patient experts.co to book your appointment today with one of the best breast surgeon leading in Dubai, to take care of you.