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The Application of 1% Methylene Blue Dye As a Single Technique in Breast Cancer Sentinel Node Biopsy
Published on: June 1, 2019
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in operations for recurrent breast cancer
1Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev University Hospital, DK-2730 Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark. c.axelsson@dadlnet.dk
Background:
In a pilot prospective consecutive series on 50 patients with recurrent breast cancer, results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are reported. The interval between primary operation and recurrence was 8years (range 1-18years). Only three patients had not undergone dissection of the axilla (ALND).
Results:
In 51% of patients scintigraphy disclosed sentinel nodes (SN). At operation SN was identified in 45% of patients corresponding to 83% of the SN's visualized by the scintigraphy. SN contained metastases in seven cases (16%), and the treatment plan was changed as a consequence of the SN examination.
Conclusion:
SLNB can identify SN at a high rate, and the findings may influence further planning of treatment. SLNB should be a future standard procedure in operations for recurrent breast cancer. Next step should be a randomized study.
