Optimal nuclear medicine support in sentinel node detection

The correct identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is paramount if this technique is to become the standard of care in the management of early disease in surgical oncology. Despite the apparent attraction and ease of this approach, a detailed understanding of its different technical components is vital. High sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy levels must be achieved in the identification and discrimination of the SLN if the extent and place of the standard lymph node diagnostic dissections can be challenged. This article reviews the technology and methodology and gives indications of the possible progress to be achieved.