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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
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, an alternative to elective axillary dissection for breast cancer
F E Nwariaku1, D M Euhus, P D Beitsch
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and St. Paul Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9031, USA.
Background:
Axillary metastases remain an important prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) carries significant morbidity and is unnecessary in most patients with early breast cancer; thus, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been advocated for axillary staging. We studied the SLN identification rate and its accuracy in predicting axillary metastases.
Methods:
One hundred nineteen women with breast carcinoma underwent SLN and ALND. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed using Technetium99 sulfur colloid supplemented by Isosulfan blue dye. Hematoxylin/eosin-stained lymph node sections were examined by light microscopy.
Results:
The SLN identification rate was 81%. One SLN was negative (1%) in a patient with axillary disease. SLN histology correctly predicted the absence of axillary disease in 98.6%. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 96%, 100%, 100%, and 99%, respectively.
Conclusions:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy accurately predicts total axillary status and is valuable in the surgical staging of breast cancer.
