The Basics of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Anatomical and Pathophysiological Considerations and Clinical Aspects

Abstract

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first node to receive the drainage directly from a tumor. Detection and pathological examination of the SLN is an important oncological procedure that minimizes morbidity related to extensive nodal dissection. SLN biopsy was first reported in 1960 but took approximately 40 years to come into general practice following reports of good outcomes in patients with melanoma. After many years of observation and research on its use in various malignancies SLN biopsy has become the standard surgical treatment in patients with malignant melanoma, breast, vulvar, and cervical cancers. Along with the introduction of new technologies, such as the fluorescent dyes indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIR), and pathologic ultrastaging, SLN detection rate has increased and false-negative rate has decreased. This literature review aimed to present an overview of the basic concepts and clinical aspects of SLN biopsy in the light of the current research.

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for sentinel lymph node mapping in the routine staging of canine mast cell tumours: A feasibility study

“…Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping techniques have been developed in human oncology to identify the first LN(s) receiving the lymph from tumours that predominantly spread through the lymphatic system. 14 Regional lymphoscintigraphy combined with intra-operative lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye, the gold standard SLN mapping technique in human oncology, has been successfully incorporated into canine MCT staging in previous studies. 15,16 Lymphoscintigraphy is however, only available in very few veterinary centres.…”

Breast Sentinel Lymph Node Frozen Section Practice: An Enterprise Audit as a Guide for Moving Forward

“…I n the evaluation of breast cancer, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status provides vital prognostic information used to establish next steps in treatment. 1,2 Detecting positive SLNs allows the surgeon to consider performance of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Sentinel lymph node frozen section (FS) evaluation has been used to avoid delaying ALND.…”

Perspectives of Gynecologic Oncologists on Minimally Invasive Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Turkish Society of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Oncology (MIJOD) Survey

“…On the contrary, our study revealed that a signi cant number of surgeons, mainly working in hot COVID-19 hospitals did not perform SLN in their practice during the pandemic. SLN biopsy is the recommended approach, particularly for endometrial and cervical cancer patients decreasing total operation time and morbidity related to systemic lymphadenectomy (21,22). However, because of the issues such as long learning curve, need for experience, and logistic problems (availability of tracer), the use of and preference for the SLN concept might decrease during the pandemic (23).As seen from different studies, the preferences of the route of the surgery (laparotomy or laparoscopy), the use of the SLN concept depended on geographic region, the status of the hospital, the experience of the surgeon (17,19,24).…”