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Published on: June 1, 2019
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Breast cancer lymphoscintigraphy: Factors associated with sentinel lymph node non visualization
1Department of Nuclear Medicine of Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Lisbon Center, Portugal.
Summary
Older age and higher BMI are linked to non-identification of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer patients. However, this non-identification did not correlate with axillary metastases after controlling for these factors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification is crucial in breast cancer staging.
- Non-identification of SLN can complicate staging and treatment decisions.
- Factors influencing SLN identification require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the non-identification of SLN during lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer patients.
- To analyze the relationship between non-identified SLN and the presence of SLN metastases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, single-center study involving 40 patients with negative lymphoscintigraphy (NL) and 184 controls with positive lymphoscintigraphy (PL).
- Evaluated factors included age, BMI, tumor characteristics, and hookwire marking.
- Statistical analysis employed logistic regression and matched-pairs analysis.
Main Results:
- Age (p=0.036) and BMI (p=0.047) were significantly associated with non-identification of SLN.
- Patients aged ≥60 years and with BMI ≥30 had increased odds of NL (2x and 3.8x, respectively).
- Hookwire marking showed a trend towards increased NL but lacked statistical significance (p=0.087).
Conclusions:
- Age and BMI are key factors influencing SLN non-identification in breast cancer patients.
- Despite non-identification, no significant association with axillary metastases was found when controlling for age, BMI, and hookwire marking.
- These findings suggest that non-identification of SLN due to patient factors may not directly impact the assessment of nodal metastasis status.
