Our Summary

This research paper examines the rate and risk factors of complications following sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in dogs with tumors. SLNB is a common surgical procedure in veterinary medicine that helps in detecting early signs of cancer spread in dogs. The study involved 113 pet dogs who underwent tumor removal and SLNB. The factors taken into account included the dog’s specific details, location and number of extracted lymph nodes, time taken for SLNB, and the condition of the removed nodes. The complications from SLNB were categorized based on their severity and the treatment required, as well as the period in which they occurred (either short-term: 0-30 days or long-term: 31-90 days). The researchers found that the overall rate of complications after surgery was around 21%, with the majority (about 92%) being minor issues. They also found that heavier dogs had a higher risk of complications. Despite these complications, the procedure has a low incidence of serious problems and is crucial for determining a dog’s cancer stage, which justifies its use.

FAQs

  1. What is sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and why is it used in veterinary medicine?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding complications after SLNB in dogs?
  3. Did the study find any factors that increased the risk of complications after SLNB in dogs?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sentinel lymph node biopsy is to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a certain period of time after the procedure to prevent any potential complications or issues with the healing process. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and recommendations for post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy include those with:

  1. Known or suspected cancer: Patients with a known or suspected cancer, especially those with a high risk of lymph node involvement, may be recommended for SLNB to determine the extent of cancer spread.

  2. Early-stage cancer: Patients with early-stage cancer, where the primary tumor is small and localized, may be recommended for SLNB to assess if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

  3. Melanoma: Patients with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, may be recommended for SLNB to assess the risk of metastasis to the lymph nodes.

  4. Breast cancer: Patients with breast cancer may be recommended for SLNB to assess the spread of cancer to the axillary lymph nodes.

  5. Prostate cancer: Patients with prostate cancer may be recommended for SLNB to assess the spread of cancer to the pelvic lymph nodes.

  6. Head and neck cancer: Patients with head and neck cancer may be recommended for SLNB to assess the spread of cancer to the regional lymph nodes.

Overall, patients who are at a higher risk of lymph node involvement or cancer spread may be recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy to guide further treatment decisions and improve outcomes.

Timeline

Before Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a tumor that may have the potential to spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative imaging tests to determine the location of the sentinel lymph node
  • Patient may receive anesthesia and preparation for surgery

After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the tumor and the sentinel lymph node
  • The removed lymph node is examined for the presence of cancer cells
  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, or discomfort at the surgical site
  • Patient may need to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and further treatment options based on the results of the biopsy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  3. How will the results of the biopsy impact my treatment plan?
  4. How long will it take to recover from the procedure?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow?
  6. Will I need any additional tests or treatments after the biopsy?
  7. How experienced are you in performing sentinel lymph node biopsies?
  8. Are there any alternative options to consider instead of a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  9. What is the success rate of detecting cancer spread with this procedure?
  10. How will I be informed of the results of the biopsy and what further steps will be taken based on those results?

Reference

Authors: Chiti LE, Gariboldi EM, Ferrari R, Luconi E, Boracchi P, De Zani D, Zani D, Manfredi M, Spediacci C, Grieco V, Giudice C, Recordati C, Ferrari F, Stefanello D. Journal: Vet Comp Oncol. 2023 Mar;21(1):62-72. doi: 10.1111/vco.12861. Epub 2022 Oct 7. PMID: 36178370