Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
07:51
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 breast cancer]
1Klinische Abteilung für Gynäkologie, Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Medizinische Universität Graz, Österreich. gero.luschin@medunigraz.at
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a less invasive alternative to complete axillary dissection for breast cancer staging. This method helps identify cancer spread, potentially sparing patients unnecessary surgery and reducing side effects like arm swelling.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Complete axillary lymph node dissection is the standard for determining breast cancer metastasis.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers a less invasive approach to assess axillary node status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of SLNB in breast cancer staging.
- To compare SLNB with complete axillary lymph node dissection regarding information provided and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Lymphatic mapping using γ-probe guidance and/or blue dye to identify sentinel lymph nodes.
- Routine SLNB for patients without clinical axillary involvement.
Main Results:
- SLNB successfully locates the primary axillary node in most breast cancer patients.
- Negative sentinel nodes spare patients from complete axillary dissection.
- SLNB is associated with reduced arm swelling and pain compared to axillary dissection.
Conclusions:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable and recommended procedure for staging the axilla in breast cancer.
- This approach minimizes morbidity by avoiding complete axillary dissection in node-negative patients.
