Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness of a type of biopsy called Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) in the treatment of male breast cancer. This method is commonly used in the surgical treatment of female breast cancer, but until now, there wasn’t much information on how well it works for men.

The research team looked at 12 past studies on this topic, which included a total of 164 patients. The results showed that the biopsy was successful in identifying cancer 99% of the time. Furthermore, in the five studies that looked at the rate of false negatives (meaning the biopsy incorrectly showed no cancer), the rate was 0%. This suggests that this type of biopsy is a reliable way to detect breast cancer in men.

In conclusion, the study supports the use of SLNB for men with breast cancer, particularly after a negative preoperative axillary assessment (a test to check if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit) and primary surgery. The researchers recommend that if the SLNB test comes back positive, doctors should quickly move to perform an Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND), a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes.

FAQs

  1. What is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)?
  2. How effective is the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) in detecting male breast cancer?
  3. What is the recommended course of action if the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) test comes back positive?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sentinel lymph node biopsy is to ensure they follow all pre-operative instructions provided, such as fasting before the procedure and informing the medical team of any allergies or medications they are taking. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions about the procedure with their healthcare provider to ensure they fully understand the process and potential risks. Additionally, patients should follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients with male breast cancer who have undergone a negative preoperative axillary assessment and primary surgery are typically recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy. This procedure is recommended to accurately detect the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes in the armpit. If the biopsy results come back positive, doctors may recommend performing an Axillary Lymph Node Dissection to remove affected lymph nodes. The research discussed in this paper suggests that sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable and effective method for detecting breast cancer in men, with a high success rate and low rate of false negatives.

Timeline

Timeline:

  1. Patient undergoes initial diagnosis of breast cancer, which may involve a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy of the breast tissue.
  2. If cancer is confirmed, the patient may undergo additional tests to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
  3. Prior to the SLNB, the patient may undergo imaging tests to identify the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node to receive drainage from the tumor.
  4. During the SLNB procedure, a radioactive tracer and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor to identify the sentinel lymph node, which is then removed and examined for cancer cells.
  5. After the SLNB, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the site of the biopsy.
  6. Results from the SLNB are typically available within a week, and if cancer is detected in the sentinel lymph node, further treatment may be recommended, such as axillary lymph node dissection or additional therapy.
  7. If the SLNB results are negative for cancer, the patient may be able to avoid more extensive surgery or treatment.
  8. After the SLNB and any additional treatment, the patient will continue to be monitored closely for any signs of cancer recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sentinel lymph node biopsy include:

  1. What is the purpose of a sentinel lymph node biopsy in my treatment plan?
  2. How will the results of the biopsy impact my overall treatment plan?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  4. How accurate is the sentinel lymph node biopsy in detecting cancer in men?
  5. What is the likelihood of a false negative result with this type of biopsy?
  6. If the biopsy shows cancer in the sentinel lymph node, what are the next steps in treatment?
  7. How soon after the biopsy will I receive the results?
  8. How experienced is the medical team in performing sentinel lymph node biopsies for male breast cancer?
  9. Are there any alternative methods of lymph node assessment that I should consider?
  10. What should I expect in terms of recovery and follow-up care after the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Parpex G, Ottaviani M, Lorphelin H, Mezzadri M, Marchand E, Cahen-Doidy L, Benifla JL, Huchon C, Mimoun C. Journal: Breast. 2024 Jun;75:103703. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103703. Epub 2024 Mar 5. PMID: 38461570