Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

What is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?

A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node (or group of nodes) that cancer is likely to spread to from the primary tumour.

Indications for SLNB

SLNB is recommended for patients with:

  • Early-stage invasive breast cancer (Stage I or II)

  • Clinically negative axillary lymph nodes (no signs of spread based on physical exam or imaging)

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing mastectomy

Surgical Technique

  1. Injection of a Tracer: A radioactive substance is injected near the tumour. This helps identify the sentinel lymph node.

  2. Identification of Sentinel Nodes: The surgeon uses a special scanner to detect the radioactive tracer in the nodes.

  3. Removal of Nodes: One or more sentinel lymph nodes are surgically removed through a small incision in the underarm.

  4. Pathological Examination: The removed nodes are sent to a laboratory to check for cancer cells.