Lymphatic Mapping and sentinel Lymphadenectomy for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Because of the importance of regional lymph node status, it makes sense to continue to perform an axillary staging procedure. However axillary nodal dissection may be associated with significant morbidity, including postoperative lymphedema of the involved extremity, neuropaty of the arm, seroma formation, formation of a painful neuroma, or local wound problems. These complications are associated with increased overall costs, and considerable discomfort to the patient. Devoloping techniques that make the axillary procedure more conservative and less morbid will improve patient care.

This study deals with the use of recent techniques involved 1n di 1gnosis and treatment of breast cancer and the implication of identifying the sentinel lymph node (first lymph node affected) on thoutcome of breast surgery. This study included 30 women having breast cancer. The case history was recorded for each patient and through clinical investigations were performed, including mammography, ultrasound for the breast and axillary lymph nodes in addition to aspiration cytology. Metastatic workup was performed in the form of serum alkaline phosphatase level, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasonography and bone scan.