What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure used to identify and remove the first lymph nodes to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumour. Lymph fluid from a tumour bed drains along predictable paths. The first node or nodes on that path are the sentinel nodes. Mapping finds them; surgery removes them; pathology examines them. The result is staging information. If the sentinel nodes are clear, a full dissection of the remaining basin may not be required. If they contain cancer, the treating team discusses what that means for further surgery, radiation and systemic therapy. The biopsy does not remove the primary tumour and does not, by itself, treat the cancer.
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