Our Summary

This research paper reviews a technique known as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), which is used to stage the growth of breast cancer in women. This technique became popular in the 90s because it was more accurate in identifying the stage of cancer and had fewer side effects. It’s used to identify key issues and trends in the application of SLNB in women with breast cancer. The technique was initially used for invasive cancer, but it now also helps in staging women with ductal carcinoma in situ or recurrent breast cancer, and those receiving chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. The procedure has low side effects and techniques are being introduced to further reduce lymphedema (swelling). The paper predicts that the SLNB technique will continue to be important in the treatment of breast cancer, and will become more accurate and widely used by eliminating the need for radioactivity and incorporating imaging and guidance procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) technique used for in breast cancer treatment?
  2. What have been the advancements in the application of the SLNB technique since the 90s?
  3. How does the SLNB technique help in reducing side effects and improving accuracy in the staging of breast cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sentinel lymph node biopsy is to follow post-procedure care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a period of time to allow for proper healing. It’s also important to monitor for any signs of infection at the biopsy site, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support your recovery and overall well-being during and after the biopsy procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy include those with early-stage breast cancer, specifically those with invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, recurrent breast cancer, and those receiving chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. This technique is particularly important for accurately staging the cancer and determining the extent of lymph node involvement, which can guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes. Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for lymphedema, a common side effect of traditional lymph node dissection, may also be recommended for SLNB to reduce the risk of this complication. As the technology and techniques for SLNB continue to advance, it is expected that this procedure will become even more accurate and widely used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Timeline

Before the sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer through imaging tests and biopsies.
  2. Patient undergoes discussions with their healthcare provider about treatment options, including the possibility of a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
  4. Patient receives education about the procedure, including risks and benefits.

After the sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes the procedure, which involves injecting a dye or radioactive substance near the tumor to locate the sentinel lymph node.
  2. The surgeon removes the sentinel lymph node for analysis to determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
  3. Patient may experience mild side effects such as pain, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site.
  4. Results of the biopsy are discussed with the patient to determine the stage of cancer and next steps in treatment.
  5. Patient may undergo further treatment such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy based on the results of the biopsy.
  6. Patient continues with regular follow-up appointments and monitoring to track the progression of cancer and response to treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and how is it performed?
  2. What information will the results of the biopsy provide about my breast cancer?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  4. How will the results of the biopsy impact my treatment plan?
  5. Are there any alternative staging techniques or tests that could be considered instead of a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  6. How experienced are you in performing sentinel lymph node biopsies?
  7. Will I need any special preparation before the procedure?
  8. Will I need anesthesia during the biopsy?
  9. How long will it take to recover from the biopsy?
  10. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Reintgen M, Kerivan L, Reintgen E, Swaninathan S, Reintgen D. Journal: Clin Breast Cancer. 2016 Jun;16(3):155-65. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2016.02.014. Epub 2016 Feb 11. PMID: 26952594