Removal of only one or a few lymph nodes to determine whether breast cancer is likely to spread elsewhere in the body. The sentinel node is the first lymph node to which a tumor drains (and therefore, the most appropriate lymph node to examine for evidence of cancer)
The lymphatic pathway from the breast cancer is tracked, using a radio-isotope label or blue lymphatic dye to allow biopsy of the first lymph node in that lymphatic pathway (sentinel node). This technique is still under evaluation
an experimental procedure in which only the sentinel nodes are removed and tested for the presence of cancer cells
a technique that may help limit the number of axillary dissection that are performed for breast cancer
A minimally invasive method of sampling lymph nodes to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the breast.
removal of the first few lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) that are most closely related to the breast cancer.
an alternative procedure to axillary node dissection during which a blue dye or a radioactive tracer is injected into the tumor site at the time of surgery. The first node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the node is cancer free, no more nodes are removed, reducing the risk of damage to nerves and lymph ducts associated with the standard procedure.
A new procedure that involves removing only the sentinel node(s), the first lymph node in the lymphatic chaining, to determine whether the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Research has shown the sentinel node biopsy can significantly reduce lymphedema (arm swelling), the most common side effect of axillary node dissection.
A procedure whereby the first node in the draining lymphatic basin is removed and examined by a pathologist for cancer cells
a new procedure that might replace standard axillary lymph node dissection. Blue dye or a radioactive tracer is injected into the tumor site at the time of surgery and the first (sentinel) node that picks up the dye is removed and biopsied. If the node is cancer-free, no more nodes are removed.