Sentinel lymph node evaluation for tumor metastasis

The sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure for evaluation of metastatic tumor has become a common procedure for breast carcinoma and malignant melanoma. There is little standardization in the histopathologic management of these specimens. The history, technical details, and histopathologic work-up for sentinel lymph node biopsy are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the intraoperative consultation and a protocol for optimal histopathologic management is presented.