Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a procedure that minimizes the number of lymph nodes removed during breast cancer surgery.

In SLNB the surgeon removes one or just a few axillary lymph nodes from the affected area, to be analyzed by a pathologist to determine if the cancer has spread.

The lymph nodes extracted are the ones first met by the lymph flowing from the tumor area. To identify these, a blue dye and/or a radioactive solution is injected next to the tumor. If any malignant cells are detected during SLNB, more nodes and lymphatic vessels might need to be removed in order to control the disease.

This is normally the chosen technique for patients with small cancers whose lymph nodes seem to have not been yet affected. Research has found no advantages in the removal of all axillary lymph nodes over SLNB in women with only a few lymph nodes affected by cancer treated by lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

Additionally, SLNB prevents lymphedema (an edema/swelling caused by excess of lymph blocking the remaining vessels), a common side effect when large numbers of lymph nodes are removed.