What is a sentinel lymph node?
Sentinel lymph node is the name given to the lymph nodes where cancer is likely to spread (metastasize). Lymph nodes are structures consisting of a combination of lymph vessels and trap harmful cells such as bacteria and cancer cells. Lymph nodes; They are located in the neck, armpit, groin, chest cavity and abdomen.
For what purpose is sentinel lymph node biopsy performed in breast cancer?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a biopsy performed on the armpit (axillary) lymph nodes where breast cancer is likely to spread (metastasize). The sentinel lymph node biopsy technique was first developed at the UCLA School of Medicine in 1980 to investigate the spread (metastasis) of melanoma patients to the lymph nodes. Later, it began to be applied in breast, cervical, prostate, bladder, thyroid, large intestine, rectum, stomach and lung cancer surgeries. In this way, staging of the cancer is attempted. Determining the result as 'negative' indicates that the breast cancer has not spread or metastasized to the sentinel lymph nodes (nodes), and in this case, unnecessary removal of the lymph nodes is prevented. On the other hand, if the result is determined as 'positive', it indicates that the breast cancer has spread or metastasized to the sentinel lymph nodes.
In breast cancer, the sentinel lymph node (sentinel) How is a node biopsy performed?
For sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer, the surgeon injects radioactive material, blue dye (methylene blue), or both, around the tumor with an injector. Then, the surgeon makes a 1-2 cm diameter incision in the armpit to reach the sentinel lymph nodes (nodes) in the armpit where breast cancer is likely to spread. From here, the sentinel lymph node, which is seen to be stained with blue dye (methylene blue) or is determined to be holding radioactive material by a radioactive material counter, is removed. This removed sentinel lymph node is removed by the pathologist during surgery. It is examined in the hospital and this process is called 'Frozen Section'.
What kind of effects does sentinel lymph node biopsy provide in breast cancer?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy provides protection from the side effects of routine removal of armpit lymph nodes (nodes) in breast cancer. By removing the armpit lymph nodes (nodes), it provides relief from complications that may occur such as: numbness in the back of the arm (due to nerve damage), numbness in the arm, numbness or edema, infection, inflammation in the arm veins and upward lifting of the shoulder blade (in case of nerve damage).
What should be done if cancer cells are not found in the sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer?
No cancer cells are detected in the removed sentinel lymph node (node), indicating breast cancer It means that it has not spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, and in this case, the surgeon terminates the procedure.
What is done if cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer?
What is removed? Detection of cancer cells in the sentinel lymph node means that the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, and in this case, the surgeon chooses to remove the armpit lymph nodes and this procedure is called 'armpit lymph node dissection'.
What kind of side effects can be seen in sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer?
Pain and bruising in the removed sentinel lymph node area. or allergy to the given blue dye (methylene blue) or radioactive material may occur. Blue staining may be observed on the patient's skin or urine.
Read: 0
