What is sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy?

Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy is a surgical procedure used to identify and remove the first lymph node or nodes to which cancer cells from a primary tumor are most likely to spread. It is commonly performed in patients with breast cancer or melanoma, but can also be used in other types of cancer.

The procedure involves injecting a radioactive substance or blue dye near the primary tumor. This substance travels through the lymphatic system and is taken up by the sentinel lymph nodes. The surgeon then uses a gamma probe or other imaging technique to locate the sentinel nodes and removes them for examination under a microscope.

If the sentinel lymph nodes are found to contain cancer cells, it may indicate that the cancer has spread and further treatment may be necessary. If the sentinel lymph nodes are free of cancer, it is likely that the cancer has not spread and further treatment may not be necessary.