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Complications of Sentinel Node Surgery

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the node "to which cancer cells are likely to spread from the primary tumor," according to a fact sheet of the National Cancer Institute. A biopsy of the SLN allows doctors to determine if breast or skin cancer has spread beyond its original site.

  1. General Complications

    • Like any surgical procedure, sentinel node surgery carries a risk of infection, fever, bleeding, bruising, nausea and vomiting.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Doctors use a special dye to identify the sentinel node. In some cases, the patient may experience an allergic reaction, according to the National Cancer Institute.

    Lymphedema

    • Removing lymph nodes introduces the risk of lymphedema---swelling in the arms and legs that results from missing or improperly functioning lymph nodes, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

    Nerve Damage

    • Sentinel node surgery rarely may cause nerve damage that produces sensations of numbness and tingling, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

    Other Complications

    • Other complications include poor wound healing, permanent dye stain at the site of incision, pain, scarring, and a lump, or fluid buildup, at the incision site.

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