Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Over the years, the diagnosis and treatment of different cancer types have evolved. Nowadays, the focus is more on improving the accuracy of the procedures and following minimally invasive approaches. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy has been one of those advanced procedures which has helped patients with various cancer types get an accurate treatment and a speedy recovery. Let’s discover more about the procedure.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is a surgical procedure used to identify and remove sentinel lymph nodes for evaluation of cancer spread. When cancer enters a patient’s body, the sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which it spreads from the tumour. A sentinel lymph node biopsy helps early detection of cancer and eradicates it before it spreads to other lymph nodes in the body.

During a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, the surgeon uses a special dye or a radioactive tracer to identify the cancer spread in the lymphatic system carefully. The cancer-affected sentinel lymph nodes are then removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

The main purpose of a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is to determine the spread of cancer in the lymphatic system. This is crucial as the involvement of the lymph nodes can significantly impact the cancer staging and treatment outcomes. The additional therapies used for cancer treatment might also be different. Additionally, the prognosis is also impacted depending on whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or not.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy helps prevent extensive lymph node removal surgeries. This also helps in minimising the chances of complications and providing a much more reliable diagnostic information and solutions.

A patient who is in the early stages of the cancer with no lymph node involvement is an ideal candidate for a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients with the following conditions might be the right candidates for SLNB:

• Small and localised tumours
• No suspicious lymph nodes when examined
• Safe for minor surgical procedures

The suitability, however, depends on several other factors as well. This includes but is not limited to the tumour size, location, and cancer type. Your oncologist or surgeon would evaluate these factors before recommending the procedure to you.

The Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Tracer Injection is Administered: The procedure starts by injecting the tracer or the blue dye into the patient near the tumour site.
2. Lymphatic Pathway is Mapped: The tracer travels all the way through the lymphatic system and highlights the sentinel nodes.
3. Surgical Removal of the Nodes is done: The affected sentinel lymph nodes are then removed through a small incision made by the surgeon.
4. Pathological Examination is Performed: The nodes are then analysed under laboratory conditions to check for cancer.

The procedure is generally performed under general anaesthesia. It can be performed in a single day and is done on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home on the same day. No hospital stay is required.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy can be used for a variety of cancer types, including:

• Breast Cancer - To study the involvement of the lymph nodes.
• Head and Neck Cancers - In some selected cases, SLNB is prescribed.
• Melanoma - Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy can detect early lymphatic spread of Melanoma.
• Gynaecological Cancers - For some specifications.

Some of the key benefits of SLNB include:

• Accurate cancer staging due to the use of a tracer
• Minimally invasive approach as compared to an extensive lymph node dissection
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
• Fewer chances of complications like nerve damage and lymphedema
• Improved quality of life due to less trauma

By limiting surgical intervention to the necessary nodes, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy achieves balanced precision and optimal patient comfort.

The recovery is usually quick, as it is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients can get back to their everyday routine tasks within a few days of the biopsy procedure. Post-operative care measures include:

• Keep the operating site clean and sterilise it from time to time.
• Post-surgery, avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.
• Mild pain and discomfort after the surgery can be managed with the prescribed medication.
• Pathology results for the patients are discussed during follow-up appointments with the doctor.

For advanced Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Gleneagles Hospital offers the most innovative and patient-friendly solutions. Some of the main reasons to consider Gleneagles Hospital for your Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy include:

• Highly Proficient and Experienced Team of Oncologists
• State-of-the-art Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach
• Comprehensive and Personalised Patient Care

At Gleneagles Hospital, patients receive treatment that meets international standards of skill and expertise. The staff and surgeons are compassionate and deliver highly excellent clinical services to the patients.