Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer. Principle Difficulties and Pitfalls
George Iancu, Laura M. Mustata, Ruxandra Cigaran, Nicolae Gica, Radu Botezatu, Dragos Median, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Gheorghe PeltecuReview Articles, no. 5, 2021
Article DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.116.5.533
Sentinel Lymph node biopsy (SLNB) represents the standard approach in a newly diagnosed breast cancer for axillary staging in cases of clinical node negative. This represents a major prognostic factor and the biopsy of sentinel lymph node for early breast cancer is used as guidance in surgical and oncological treatment.
Although for many decades, axillary lymph node dissection was the standard approach for breast cancer treatment and staging, this pathway was abandoned due to significant risk of lymphedema, infection, nerve and vessels injury or dysfunction of the shoulder. Therefore, significant improvement in the quality of life was seen for patients diagnosed with early breast cancer after SLNB was introduced as standard.
The principle of SLNB is based on the hypothesis that tumor drains in the lymphatic system in an orderly manner and if the first lymphatic station is clear of disease, it is highly unlike that the tumor has spread further above.
We present in our paper the indications with principles and difficulties in identification of sentinel node.
Although for many decades, axillary lymph node dissection was the standard approach for breast cancer treatment and staging, this pathway was abandoned due to significant risk of lymphedema, infection, nerve and vessels injury or dysfunction of the shoulder. Therefore, significant improvement in the quality of life was seen for patients diagnosed with early breast cancer after SLNB was introduced as standard.
The principle of SLNB is based on the hypothesis that tumor drains in the lymphatic system in an orderly manner and if the first lymphatic station is clear of disease, it is highly unlike that the tumor has spread further above.
We present in our paper the indications with principles and difficulties in identification of sentinel node.
Keywords: breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy, SLNB, ALND, early breast cancer
