Lymphatic mapping techniques and sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Surg Clin North Am. 2007 Apr;87(2):353-64, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2007.01.013.

Abstract

The axillary nodal status is accepted universally as the most powerful prognostic tool available for early stage breast cancer. The removal of level I and level II lymph nodes at axillary node dissection (ALND) is the most accurate method to assess nodal status, and it is the universal standard; however, it is associated with several adverse long-term sequelae. Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged as an effective and safe alternative to the ALND for detecting axillary metastases. This article discusses some lymphatic mapping methodology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Coloring Agents
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • iso-sulfan blue
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid