Sentinel lymph node biopsy
A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is a medical procedure used to determine if cancer has spread from its original site to nearby lymph nodes. During the procedure, a special dye or tracer is injected near the tumor, which travels to the first lymph node (the "sentinel" node) that drains the area. This node is then surgically removed and tested for cancer cells. If cancer is found, additional treatment may be necessary. This approach helps doctors assess the spread of cancer while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
Additional Insights
-
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a medical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread from its original site to nearby lymph nodes. During this procedure, a doctor injects a dye or radioactive substance near the tumor to identify the first lymph node, known as the sentinel node, that drains lymph fluid from the tumor. This node is then surgically removed and examined for cancer cells. If the sentinel node is free of cancer, it is likely that the cancer hasn't spread, helping guide treatment decisions and avoid more extensive surgeries if unnecessary.