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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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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 node biopsy in breast cancer].
1Service de médecine nucléaire, hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75475 Paris cedex 10, France. elif.hindie@sls.aphp.fr
Bulletin Du Cancer
|May 28, 2009
Summary
The sentinel node technique offers reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional axillary dissection, with no apparent increase in axillary recurrence. Combining radioisotope detection and blue dye enhances accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an alternative to conventional axillary dissection.
- SLNB aims to reduce surgical morbidity and hospital stay.
- Axillary recurrence rates with SLNB are comparable to traditional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the sentinel node technique.
- To discuss optimal methodologies and patient selection for SLNB.
- To address the prognostic significance of micrometastases and extra-axillary drainage.
Main Methods:
- Combination of radioisotope detection and blue dye for increased identification rates.
- Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy mapping and peroperative probe detection for optimized surgical results.
- SPECT-CT imaging for precise topography of extra-axillary nodes.
Main Results:
- SLNB is associated with reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stays.
- Axillary recurrence rates are not increased with SLNB.
- Combination techniques and SPECT-CT improve detection and localization of sentinel nodes, including extra-axillary drainage in ~20% of patients.
- Increased detection of micrometastases has led to a higher percentage of patients with node involvement.
Conclusions:
- The sentinel node technique is a safe and effective alternative to axillary dissection.
- Optimal patient selection, methodology, and interpretation of micrometastases remain areas for further investigation.
- Understanding extra-axillary drainage is crucial for comprehensive staging and treatment planning.
