Sentinel axillary lymph node biopsy

Прим др Милош Почековац

What is a sentinel biopsy?

The first or draining lymph node that receives lymph from a malignant tumor is the sentinel node.

Why is it done?

If the first lymph node contains malignant cells, it is necessary to remove the remaining lymph nodes in the armpit area. If there are no malignant cells in the sentinel node, there is no need for further removal of the armpit lymph nodes. In this way, we prevent possible complications that arise as a result of the complete removal of lymph nodes, such as:

stiffness of the shoulder girdle
numbness of the inside of the upper arm
swelling or lymphedema of the arm

How is it marked?

Methylene blue or radiocolloid (Tc99) or both are used as radiolabels, depending on the equipment of the institution and the training of the surgeon.

When is a sentinel biopsy performed?

In the early stage of breast cancer, when there are no palpable pathologically altered lymph nodes in the armpit area.
In the case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), if we planned to do a mastectomy – complete removal of the glandular tissue of the breast.
Previous breast or armpit surgery.
After non-adjuvant-preoperative therapy, without palpable pathological lymph nodes.
Obese people
Seniors