A sentinel node biopsy is a surgical technique for determining whether or not cancer has migrated from the main tumor to the lymphatic system. Most often, it is used to evaluate melanoma and breast cancer.
Sentinel lymph nodes are the primary lymph nodes that a tumor drains into. Before performing a sentinel node biopsy, the surgeon injects a tracer substance to pinpoint the exact location of the sentinel nodes. Sentinel nodes are sampled and evaluated in a lab setting.
If the sentinel lymph nodes tested negative for cancer, it is improbable that the disease has spread to other lymph nodes, and further surgery is not warranted.
If the sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure reveals malignancy, more lymph nodes may need to be removed. Those in need can always make use of our surgical services in Miami, Florida, 100% sure of the highest standards and latest technology available at Breast Care Center Miami.
What Are Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes are spherical lymphatic structures that filter lymph fluid — the lymphatic system functions as a portion of the immune system. Lymph is a transparent fluid that travels through veins and organs to carry white blood cells that fight off infections (together with other bodily fluids and waste products). Lymph can also transport malignant cells that have detached from the primary tumor in a cancer patient.
Lymph nodes are one of the first places cancer can spread to after entering the body, as many tumors travel via the lymphatic system to metastasize.
When cancer spreads from a primary tumor, it typically does so to a single lymph node, called the sentinel lymph node. More sentinel lymph nodes may exist in some cases.
What’s a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Procedure?
When cancer cells are suspected, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed, where the lymph node in question is located, surgically removed, and dissected to check for the presence of cancerous cells. Individuals who have previously been given a cancer diagnosis will benefit from this treatment.
If the SLNB comes back negative, it means that the cancer hasn’t progressed to any lymph nodes in the area or elsewhere in the body.
A sentinel node biopsy that returns positive suggests the presence of cancer in the node, with the possibility of regional lymph node cancer metastasis (and beyond). Knowing cancer’s stage and location is crucial to establishing a successful treatment strategy.
SLNB isn’t used to stage all types of cancer. The procedure is typically utilized to aid in the staging of breast cancer and melanoma. It can also help determine the stage of endometrial and penile cancers. Malignancies of the vulvar and cervical regions, as well as cancers of the stomach, esophagus, thyroid, head, neck, and non-small cell lung, are being researched for furthering the use of SLNB.
What Happens During the SLNB Procedure?
It’s crucial to identify the sentinel lymph node(s) first. The surgeon injects a radioactive material or a blue dye into the tumor’s vicinity. Afterward, the surgeon either uses a device to identify lymph nodes containing the radioactive material or searches for blue-stained lymph nodes. The surgeon will make a little incision in the skin above the sentinel lymph node and remove it.
Next, a pathologist examines the sentinel node to see if any cancer cells are present. If malignancy is discovered, more lymph nodes may be removed at the time of the biopsy or a later date. There is some debate as to whether SLNB may be performed on an outpatient basis or whether a brief hospital stay is necessary.
Most of the time, SLNB is performed when the original tumor is removed. The lymph nodes can be drained either before or after the tumor is removed, depending on how severely the lymphatic veins were damaged during the removal process.
Using SNLB, doctors are able to assess better the extent to which tumor cells may have started to spread. If the sentinel node tests negative for cancer, a relatively limited lymph node dissection may be all that’s necessary, sparing the patient the risks of extensive lymph node cancer removal.
After surgery, you’ll be sent to a recovery area where medical staff can keep an eye on you. You can go home on the same day if you do not require further surgical procedures.
The length of your hospital stay after a sentinel node biopsy for cancer removal will depend on the scope of your surgery. The time it takes to get back to your regular routine can vary from case to case. Consult with a medical professional about it.
Potential Risks of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Procedure
It is important to remember that there is a risk of complications with any lymph node removal procedure, including SLNB. However, the general rule is that the fewer lymph nodes that are removed, the less likely you are to experience serious complications. Some of the possible adverse reactions are:
- Tissue swelling (lymphedema)
- A lump due to fluid buildup (seroma)
- Possible infection, tingling, numbness, bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the surgical site
- Restricted range of motion in the afflicted area
- Allergic reactions or skin irritation from the blue dye
- A false-negative result of the biopsy
Breast Lymph Nodes, Breast Cancer, and Melanoma
The axillary (armpit) lymph nodes are frequently the first to become infected by breast cancer cells that have progressed from the primary tumor. Cancer cells in breast tumors near the breastbone may move to internal mammary nodes (breast lymph nodes under the breastbone) before reaching the axilla.
Axillary lymph node dissection (or ALND) is a surgical procedure where all of the lymph nodes in a woman’s armpit are removed if she is found to have breast cancer. This is done for the dual purposes of aiding in breast cancer staging and lowering the likelihood of a recurrence in the immediate area. The average human has anywhere between 20 and 40 axillary lymph nodes.
Studies show that individuals with melanoma who undergo SLNB and have a negative sentinel lymph node with no other clinical evidence of disease dissemination may avoid undergoing a more invasive lymph node surgical procedure at the point of primary tumor removal.
To Conclude
Because of their critical function in fighting off infections and malignancies, lymph nodes serve as highly accurate indicators of potentially dangerous bodily developments. Lymph nodes, especially those in the axilla (armpit), are a potential target for breast cancer cells. Breast drainage begins with sentinel nodes. The tumor’s toxins are expelled through these channels. If cancer cells are detected in a sentinel lymph node, your treatment strategy may have to be adjusted.
To do a sentinel node biopsy, a surgeon injects a tracer substance into the breast. Following the tracer to the sentinel nodes, these nodes are surgically removed and analyzed.
The breast surgery oncology care we offer our patients is unparalleled in quality and compassion. We take great pride in providing the finest customer service available. Feel free to contact us at Breast Care Center Miami if you wish to schedule an appointment.