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Sentinel node localization in patients with non-palpable breast cancer
A Fernandez1, A Escobedo, E Benito
1S. Medicina Nuclear and Unidad Funcional de Mama, CSUB, Hospital de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.
Nuclear Medicine Communications
|December 5, 2002
Summary
Radionuclide sentinel node detection is effective for non-palpable breast cancer. This technique accurately identifies sentinel nodes, aiding management for both palpable and non-palpable tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard procedure for staging breast cancer.
- Accurate sentinel node identification is crucial for avoiding unnecessary axillary lymphadenectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of radionuclide sentinel node detection in patients with non-palpable breast cancer.
- To compare detection rates between palpable and non-palpable breast tumors.
Main Methods:
- 110 women with unilateral breast cancer were studied, divided into palpable (Group 1) and non-palpable (Group 2) tumor groups.
- Tc-nanocolloid was injected, followed by scintigraphy and surgical detection of the sentinel node.
- Histopathological analysis included H&E staining and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Sentinel node detection rates were high in both groups: 84% for palpable and 93% for non-palpable tumors.
- False negatives (node seen on scintigraphy but not found surgically) occurred in 5% (Group 1) and 7% (Group 2).
- Skip metastasis rates were 10% for palpable and 4% for non-palpable tumors.
Conclusions:
- Non-palpable breast tumors are not an exclusion criterion for sentinel node biopsy.
- Ultrasound-guided injection and scintigraphic detection improve sentinel node management in non-palpable breast cancer.
