[The sentinel lymph node procedure also feasible in patients with recurrent breast cancer]

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept has become a standard option for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary invasive breast cancer. The implementation of this SLN concept has created a new category of patients: those who had breast-conserving therapy without complete axillary lymph node dissection following a negative SLN biopsy. In cases of local relapse in the ipsilateral breast, questions arise on the lymphatic drainage of this new tumour. Such is also the case for patients who have been treated for ductal carcinoma in situ, who have had a previous mastectomy, or even after previous benign breast or axillary surgery. To date the literature on SLN biopsy in patients with recurrent breast cancer is scarce: only to publications dealing with 116 patients. It is concluded that a SLN procedure in recurrent disease is feasible and can possibly lead to the identification of specific or aberrant lymphatic drainages. This could then lead to useful changes being made to the multidisciplinary treatment strategy in selected patients following a successful SLN biopsy. Since there are still no proper guidelines for performing such a repeat SLN biopsy, it is necessary to reach consensus on this new indication in the short-term.