Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a diagnostic procedure which is performed in cancer patients to check the spread of cancer. Sentinel in literal terms refers to a soldier or a guard who keeps watch of invasion. In medical terms the same relates to the lymphatic tissues/ lymph nodes which are adjacent to the site where cancer has occurred which prevent the spread of cancer to the neighboring tissues. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure where the sentinel lymph nodes are biopsied to check if the cancer has spread to the adjacent tissues or not.
What are lymph nodes ?
Lymph nodes are a part of the human lymphatic system which have a clear fluid called as the ‘Lymph’ which flows through them. These lymph nodes are connected to each other by Lymphatic channels. Lymph nodes are in vicinity of the major organs of the body, like near the underarms, groin area, head and neck region and the abdominal region. Lymph nodes play an important role in maintaining and regulating the immunity of the human body. These lymph nodes play a major role in fighting infections and foreign bodies like bacteria, fungus, and virus. Lymph nodes are also checked to determine whether the cancer cells have started invading the adjacent healthy tissues.
What is a sentinel lymph node ?
A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node near the primary tumor. It also means that the chances of the cancer cells invading the sentinel lymph node are higher. Sentinel lymph node can be either one or multiple in number.
When is a sentinel lymph node biopsy advised ?
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is advised primary individuals who are suffering from Breast cancer or Melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Nowadays sentinel lymph node biopsy is also used to check the spread of head and neck cancers, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.
What happens during a sentinel lymph node biopsy ?
Your specialist or consulting doctor will brief you through the sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure if that is indicated for you. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is performed along with the treatment of cancer (surgical excision of the cancerous growth) or as an individual procedure. The procedure is performed as a separate procedure. The procedure is performed under the influence of anesthesia. During the sentinel lymph node biopsy, the surgeon injects a radioactive substance or a blue dye material or both to determine the location of the sentinel lymph node near the primary cancer site. Once located the sentinel lymph nodes are then removed by surgical excision and are sent for histopathological examination. If cancer cells are detected then few other adjacent lymph nodes are also removed for examination. After the procedure, your recovery will be monitored in the hospital or the healthcare facility till you can go home.
What are the benefits of sentinel lymph node biopsy ?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps in determining the spread of cancers which can invade the other tissues via the lymphatic channels. If the sentinel lymph nodes are free of cancer cells, the chances of the cancer being spread to the other tissues is rare, but if cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph nodes, more extensive surgical treatment is advised. Though sentinel lymph node biopsy helps in determining the extent of invasion by cancer cells, in certain cancers it is noted that the cancer cells bypass the sentinel lymph nodes and invade the other tissues. Hence, sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed after a detailed consultation with your surgeon regarding its risks and benefits.
What are the risks and complications associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy ?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be associated with lymphedema (collection of lymph leading to swelling in the tissues), seroma (collection of fluid at the site of the surgery), bleeding and infection and numbness at the site of the biopsy.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
