THE ROLE OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EARLY BREAST CARCINOMA

Abstract

This study deals with the use of recent techniques involved in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and the implication of identifying the sentinel lymph node (first lymph node affected) on the outcome of breast surgery. This investigation included 71 women having breast cancer. The case history was recorded for each patient and thorough clinical examination and investigations were performed. Metastatic work up was performed in the form of serum alkaline phosphatase level, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasonography and bone scan. In addition, intraoperative lymphatic mapping using patent blue dye was done in order to identify the sentinel node(s), which in tum excised and subjected to histopathological examination. The results of the study included that: 1- The use of intraoperative lymphatic mapping using patente-v blue helps to delineate the sentinel lymph node(s). Moreover, the smallest sentinel nodes could be detected by using the procedure through identification of the blue stained afferent lymphatic vessels, which could be followed to the sentinel lymph node(s) by a technique, which can be done under local anesthesia as an out patient procedure. 2- The status of the sentinel lymph node visualized, histologically reflects the actual status of the axillary nodes.