Sentinel node biopsy
About this test
Sentinel node biopsy is a procedure to see if cancer has spread. It can tell whether the cancer cells have broken away from where they started and spread to the lymph nodes. Sentinel node biopsy is often used in people who have breast cancer, melanoma and other types of cancer.
Why it's done
Sentinel node biopsy is used to see whether the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. If cancer cells break away from where they started, they often spread to the lymph nodes first. Sentinel node biopsy is routinely used for people with: Breast cancer. Endometrial cancer. Melanoma. Penile cancer. Sentinel node biopsy is being studied for use with other types of cancer, such as: Cervical cancer. Colon cancer. Esophageal cancer. Head and neck cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer. Stomach cancer. Thyroid cancer. Vulvar cancer.
Risks and complications
Sentinel node biopsy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, it carries a risk of complications, including: Bleeding. Pain or bruising at the biopsy site. Infection. Allergic reaction to the dye used for the procedure. Fluid buildup and swelling in lymph vessels, which is called lymphedema.
How to prepare
You might need to stop eating and drinking for a period of time before the procedure. This is to avoid complications from the medicine used to put you in a sleep-like state during surgery. Ask your health care team for specific instructions.
Understanding your results
If the sentinel nodes don't show cancer, you won't need to have more lymph nodes removed and tested. If further treatment is needed, information from the sentinel node biopsy is used to develop your treatment plan. If any of the sentinel nodes contain cancer, you might need to have more lymph nodes removed. This allows your health care team to find out how many are affected. Sometimes, the sentinel nodes are tested right away during the sentinel node biopsy. If the sentinel nodes show cancer, you might have more lymph nodes removed right away rather than having another surgery later.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.