SLN biopsy or sentinel node biopsy can be best defined as a surgical procedure performed on people dealing with cancer. More precisely, during the procedure, healthcare experts remove the sentinel nodes and send them to the lab for further evaluation and cancer cell testing.
Sentinel nodes usually are the first lymph nodes where malignant cells might spread from any given tumor. The sentinel lymph nodes themselves are small organs that filter fluids in the body and provide protection from illnesses.
Even the term “sentinel node” instills that the node keeps watch and guards the body.
Still, what does the sentinel node has to do with breast cancer? Why do experts perform SLN biopsies? Find out from the article below. And if you already know the background of this topic and are looking for options regarding breast surgery in Palm Beach County, FL, feel free to reach out to Dr. Andrew Shapiro for further help and guidance.
SNL Bipsy: Why Is It Performed?
Medical experts usually perform this type of surgery to assess melanoma (an aggressive type of skin cancer) or breast cancer. The results of the sentinel node biopsy can help doctors determine whether the malignant cells have spread (metastasized) beyond the primary or original tumor. The sentinel lymph node is the go-to option for most experts, as specific cancers tend to spread to these nodes first.
The procedure itself is a part of a larger process that’s referred to as staging. During the staging process, doctors seek to discover whether the cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. This is crucial, as different stages of cancer will usually require different treatment methods.
The sentinel lymph node will usually be removed while doctors remove the primary tumor, but this might not always be the case. In some instances, healthcare providers may perform an SLN biopsy after or before removing the original tumor.
About Lymph Nodes
These tiny organs are bean-shaped glands with several vital functions. The immune cells inside these glands attack illness-causing bacteria. Also, lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid across the body, which is liquid waste drained from cells and tissues.
Typically, people have around 600 of these lymph nodes in their bodies, all part of the lymphatic system, which is a central part of the immune system.
The Role of Sentinel Nodes
These are usually the first nodes that drain cancerous regions. In the case of breast cancer, sentinel nodes can usually be found in the armpit. Because cancer cells will usually spread through the lymphatic system, doctors will typically examine the nearest lymph nodes that drain the cancerous region (sentinel nodes) to check whether the cancer is still in its original place or not.
If there aren’t any signs of cancerous cells in the sentinel lymph nodes, the chances that the malignancy has spread to other nodes are very unlikely. On the other hand, if tests do detect cancerous cells in the sentinel nodes, other lymph nodes might also be removed to check for signs of further metastasis.
Sentinel Node Biopsy: Test Details
Before the actual procedure, patients will receive a radioactive tracer in their veins, which will help the surgeon identify the sentinel node(s). The procedure itself will be performed under general anesthesia, and the patient will be asleep.
Once the patient is sleeping, the doctor will:
- Inject a blue dye or radioactive tracer around or in the tumor.
- The dye will stain the node blue, so it becomes visible. In the case of radioactive tracers, doctors will use gamma detectors to locate the node.
- Once the sentinel node is located, the healthcare provider will make a small cut and remove the node. Usually, doctors will remove one to five of these nodes.
- The incision will be closed and secured with surgical glue, surgical tape, or stitches.
- Then, the healthcare provider will send the nodes for lab tests for further evaluation.
After the procedure, your healthcare provider might recommend prescription pain medication or OTC options while the incision heals. The area may feel tender for a few days post-procedure, and if the sentinel nodes were in your armpit, you might also feel a bit stiff for a few days.
It’s always a great idea to discuss with your doctor when you can return to your daily activities. In some cases, patients may need to wait several weeks before returning to their everyday lives and physical activities.
The Benefits of an SLN Biopsy
The most apparent benefit of the procedure is that it can help with cancer staging, which enables doctors to create a more efficient treatment plan and avoid unnecessary surgery.
If there aren’t any malignant cells in the sentinel nodes, the chances of metastasis are slim, so there likely won’t be any need to remove any more nodes.
Is the Testing Risky?
Typically, these biopsies are safe, but every surgical procedure may have risks. In the case of SNL biopsies, some patients may experience problems such as swelling, bruising, and bleeding in the incision site. In rare cases, the contrast dye may trigger an allergic reaction in some patients. Lastly, the lymph nodes may sustain damage, preventing the lymphatic fluid to flow properly through the nodes, leading to fluid buildup in the body’s soft tissue.
Even if the procedure is safe, you must reach out to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after an SLN biopsy:
- Fever
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Pain that doesn’t go away even with medication
- Redness and swelling near the incision site
Receiving the Test Results
The results of the biopsy will usually be ready within a week. Depending on the received results, your doctor might arrange follow-up cancer care, advise additional treatment options, and keep monitoring your health via checkups.
For example, if you have breast cancer that has already reached the sentinel nodes, the doctor may recommend ALND or axillary lymph node dissection, where the expert removes even more lymph nodes (typically around 20) to test for cancer cells.
Conclusion
Sentinel node biopsies can provide healthcare providers with crucial information on whether a malignancy has spread to other parts of the body in patients battling cancer. The surgical procedure is safe with low risks, and most patients are able to make a quick recovery after surgery.
Removing these nodes doesn’t only reveal if cancer cells have metastasized beyond the primary tumor. It also helps avoid unnecessary surgery and can help create a more efficient treatment plan.
If you wish to learn more about the procedure, contact our practice today and schedule a consultation with our experts.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only. If symptoms do not resolve or if they return, seek medical attention as soon as possible at your primary care physician or with our office.
