sential node biopsy

A sentinel node biopsy is a surgical procedure commonly used in the management of certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer and melanoma. The purpose of this procedure is to identify and evaluate the sentinel lymph node(s), which are the first lymph nodes to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor.

Here’s an overview of the procedure:

Identification of Sentinel Node(s): Prior to surgery, a radioactive tracer or blue dye is injected near the tumor site or around the area where the tumor was removed. This tracer or dye flows through the lymphatic vessels and helps to identify the sentinel node(s), which are the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from the tumor site.

Surgery: Once the sentinel node(s) are identified, a surgeon removes them for examination. This can typically be done through a small incision near the tumor site or through minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robot-assisted surgery.

Pathological Examination: The removed sentinel node(s) are sent to a pathologist who examines them under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, it indicates that the cancer has started to spread from the primary tumor to the lymphatic system.

Treatment Decision: The results of the sentinel node biopsy help guide further treatment decisions. If cancer cells are found in the sentinel node(s), additional lymph nodes may need to be removed (a procedure called lymph node dissection), and additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.

The sentinel node biopsy procedure is important because it helps determine the stage of cancer and allows for more targeted treatment decisions. By identifying the sentinel node(s), surgeons can minimize the number of lymph nodes removed, reducing the risk of complications such as lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup) while still accurately staging the cancer.

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