What are the benefits of sentinel node biopsy?
In the past, surgeons would routinely remove many of the axillary lymph nodes just to be sure no cancer remains in the nearby lymph system. This resulted in more women who underwent breast cancer surgery developing lymphedema, a side effect of lymph node dissection resulting in an uncomfortable buildup up of lymph fluid in the arm. Now using sentinel lymph node biopsy, surgeons are able to accurately find or rule out cancer spread 95% of the time. This reduces the risk for lymphedema and the potential for nerve damage for women undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy. What are the disadvantages of sentinel lymph node biopsy? This technique may be less reliable in women who have chemotherapy before surgery and is usually not appropriate in women who have known cancer in their lymph nodes. Prior breast surgery especially involving the upper outer portion of the breast may also lessen the chance of success sentinel lymph node dissection. If the biopsy is positive for cancer, then more surgery
