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Sentinel Lymph Node Detection, Location, and Number on SPECT/CT Can Help Predict Pathological Axillary Lymph Node
Meishi Hankyo1, Ryusuke Murakami2, Hiroyuki Takei1
1Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Nippon Medical School Hospital.
Summary
Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) aids in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer. SPECT/CT findings can predict axillary lymph node metastasis, improving patient management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is crucial for breast cancer staging.
- Radiocolloids combined with SPECT/CT offer advanced visualization for SLN detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of SPECT/CT findings for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.
- To determine if SPECT/CT imaging can identify patients at higher risk of lymph node involvement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 408 breast cancer patients undergoing SLNB with SPECT/CT.
- Correlation of SPECT/CT identified SLN number and location with pathological axillary lymph node metastasis.
- Analysis included clinical and pathological characteristics.
Main Results:
- SPECT/CT successfully identified SLNs in 98.8% of cases.
- Absence of SLN detection, SLN location outside axillary level I, and increased number of SLNs were significantly associated with metastasis.
- Removal of three or more SLNs also correlated with pathological metastasis.
Conclusions:
- SPECT/CT imaging provides valuable predictive information regarding axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.
- These findings can potentially refine surgical planning and patient stratification for breast cancer treatment.
