What is sentinel lymph node biopsy and how is it performed?

Sentinel node biopsy identifies the first few lymph nodes into which a tumor drains. The surgeon uses a harmless dye and a weak radioactive solution to locate the sentinel nodes. The nodes are removed and tested for signs of cancer.

What is a sentinel node biopsy and why is it done?

A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is identified, removed, and examined to determine whether cancer cells are present. It is used in people who have already been diagnosed with cancer.

How long does it take to recover from a sentinel node biopsy?

You should feel close to normal in a few days. The incision the doctor made usually heals in about 2 weeks. The scar usually fades with time. Some people have a buildup of fluid in the area where the lymph nodes were removed.

Is a sentinel node biopsy painful?

The first step in sentinel lymph node biopsy is injecting a dye or radioactive tracer liquid (or both) into the nipple area. If you’re awake during the procedure, this injection can be painful.

What happens if sentinel node biopsy is positive?

If the biopsy is positive, it means that cancer cells have been found in the sentinel lymph node. The surgeon may then proceed with axillary lymph node dissection—a more invasive procedure that involves removing more lymph nodes. For certain types of cancer, biopsy results are also used to determine the cancer stage.

Are you awake for a sentinel node biopsy?

You will get anesthesia (medication to make you sleep) before your procedure. Once you’re asleep, your surgeon will inject a small amount of blue dye near the site of your cancer. This dye will travel through your lymphatic vessels to the sentinel node(s).

Can I use deodorant after sentinel node biopsy?

Do not use deodorant until instructed by your surgeon, as it may irritate your incision. (Usually you may resume in 1-2 weeks.) Do not shave the underarm until your incision is well healed.

How accurate is sentinel node biopsy?

Accuracy of sentinel node biopsy. Introduction: Sentinel node biopsy is the main way to assess lymph node status. If there’s cancer in the lymph nodes, sentinel node biopsy will find it over 90 percent of the time [1].

Can a surgeon tell if lymph node is cancerous?

Often, enlarged lymph nodes near a cancer are assumed to contain cancer. The only way to know whether there is cancer in a lymph node is to do a biopsy. Doctors may remove lymph nodes or take samples of one or more nodes using needles.

How long does pain last after sentinel node biopsy?

After your biopsy, you may have some stiffness or pain, in your arm or leg on your affected side (the side where your lymph nodes were removed). If you still have stiffness or pain 6 weeks after your procedure, call your doctor.

What happens if sentinel node is positive?

Why does my arm hurt after sentinel node biopsy?

Lymph node surgery can lead to uncomfortable temporary side effects, such as lymph backup in the armpit, called seroma. Other side effects can linger, including mild armpit discomfort and numbness in the armpit and the upper arm.