Introduction:

Axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this article, we will discuss the procedure, indications, and potential risks associated with axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Procedure:

During an axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy, a radioactive tracer and a blue dye are injected into the breast tissue. The tracer and dye travel to the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread. The surgeon then removes the sentinel lymph node for examination by a pathologist. If the sentinel lymph node is negative for cancer cells, it is unlikely that cancer has spread to other lymph nodes.

The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient surgery, and patients are able to return home the same day. The incision made during the procedure is typically small, and patients experience minimal scarring. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, which reduces the risk of complications associated with general anesthesia.

Indications:

Axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended for patients with early-stage breast cancer, usually those with stage I or II breast cancer. The procedure is also used to determine the extent of cancer in patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Risks:

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy. Some common risks include:

• Infection: The surgical site may become infected, leading to fever, pain, and swelling.
• Lymphedema: Removing lymph nodes can disrupt the normal flow of lymphatic fluid, leading to swelling in the arm or breast.
• Numbness or tingling: The surgical incision may damage nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the arm or breast.
• Allergic reaction: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the dye used during the procedure.

Conclusion:

Axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important tool in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. While there are potential risks associated with the procedure, the benefits of accurate diagnosis and staging outweigh the risks for most patients. The procedure is minimally invasive, can be performed under local anesthesia, and allows for accurate staging and treatment planning for patients with early-stage breast cancer.

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