![]() The following guides the surgeon to identify the sentinel lymph nodes: Sentinel Node Imaging How is the Sentinel Lymph Node Identified? The treatment plan for breast cancer is based on whether the lymph glands contain tumour cells. The pathological examination of lymph nodes is the most accurate method for assessing the spread of disease to these nodes. The axilla must be explored surgically and some lymph nodes removed and sent for pathological examination. The status of the axillary lymph nodes is one of the most important predictive factors in women with early-stage breast cancer. The number of lymph nodes in the axilla varies from person to person but usually ranges from around 20 to 40. The lymph nodes that filter waste fluid and cells from the breast are mainly located in the armpit (also called the axilla.) These lymph nodes are usually the first ones affected if cancer spreads beyond the breast. Groups of lymph nodes are located in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. Tiny channels carry fluid and debris to the lymph nodes/glands which act as filters. The lymphatic system is a structure of lymph vessels and lymph glands throughout the body which play an important role in the body's mechanism of fighting infections and tumours. If the sentinel nodes are free of cancer, it is assumed that the remaining nodes are also clear and no further lymph nodes are then removed. During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, the surgeon removes only a few (1-5) sentinel lymph nodes.ĭissection of the sentinel nodes reduces the possibility of complications and in most cases provides the necessary information about cancer. SLNB is a minimally invasive technique and is proven to be a reliable and accurate alternative treatment modality for breast cancer patients. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is based upon the study that tumour cells migrating from a primary tumour invade one or a few lymph nodes before involving other lymph nodes. It is thought that if breast cancer cells were to escape into the lymphatic system, they would travel to the sentinel nodes before moving on to other nodes. What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)?Ī sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph nodes are identified, removed, and sent for pathological examination to detect the presence of cancer cells. These sentinel lymph nodes are the first to drain the lymphatic fluid from the breast and to spread cancer if it is contained within the fluid. Breast cancer usually spreads first to the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit). You have new or worse swelling or pain in your arm.The sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumour.Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if: Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:.You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.Ĭall your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:. ![]() Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.Ĭall 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care.Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:.You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed.Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful. ![]() Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol.
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