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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
Patterns of cellular distribution with the sentinel node positive for breast cancer
Ekaterini Tsiapali1, Marcia M Schmidt, Don Dizon
1Program in Women's Oncology, Women and Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
International Journal of Breast Cancer
|February 2, 2012
Summary
Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for breast cancer accurately identifies metastases. Most malignant cells in sentinel nodes (SN) are found near the radioactive or blue-stained "hot spot," aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Breast Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is the standard for axillary staging in breast cancer.
- Understanding malignant cell distribution within sentinel nodes (SN) is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution patterns of malignant cells within sentinel nodes.
- To correlate metastatic foci location with the sentinel node's radioactive or blue-stained 'hot spot'.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 breast cancer patients with 19 positive sentinel nodes (SN).
- Examination of the anatomic location of metastatic foci relative to the 'hot spot' (highest signal/staining).
- Measurement of the distance between metastatic foci and the 'hot spot'.
Main Results:
- Metastases were predominantly located in the cortex (79%) versus the hilum (21%) of sentinel nodes.
- 31% of metastases were adjacent to the 'hot spot', and 47% were within 4 mm.
- Overall, 78% of SN metastases were found within 4 mm of the 'hot spot'.
Conclusions:
- Sentinel node metastases in breast cancer are frequently located near the 'hot spot'.
- Focused pathologic examination of the area within 4 mm of the 'hot spot' may improve metastasis detection.