Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

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What is Sentinel lymph node biopsy?

A sentinel lymph node is defined as the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Sometimes, there can be more than one sentinel lymph node. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is identified, removed, and examined to determine whether cancer cells are present. A negative result implies that cancer has not yet spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. A positive result indicates that cancer is present in the sentinel lymph node and that it may have spread to other nearby lymph nodes and, possibly, other organs.

Who needs Sentinel lymph node biopsy?

It is used in people who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. It helps in staging of the breast cancer.

What to expect before the procedure?

First, the sentinel lymph node (or nodes) must be located. To do so, a surgeon injects a radioactive substance, a blue dye, or both near the tumor. The surgeon then uses a device to detect lymph nodes that contain the radioactive substance or looks for lymph nodes that are stained with the blue dye.

What happens during the procedure?

Once the sentinel lymph node is located, Dr. Monika will make a small incision in the overlying skin and removes the node. A pathologist then checks the sentinel node for the presence of cancer cells. If cancer is found, Dr. Monika may remove additional lymph nodes, either during the same biopsy procedure or during a follow-up surgical procedure. It is usually done at the same time the primary tumor is removed. In some cases, the procedure can also be done before or even after (depending on how much the lymphatic vessels have been disrupted) removal of the tumor.

What to expect after the procedure?

Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done on an outpatient basis or may require a short stay in the hospital. The patient may experience lymphedema (swelling of lymph nodes) if more lymph nodes are removed. The patient might feel numbness, tingling, swelling, bruising, or pain at the site of the surgery, for which Dr. Monika will prescribe medications and some exercises.

Book Appointments at an Area Near You

Dr. Monika Pansari conducts consultation at below locations

BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals

67, Uttarahalli Main Rd, Sunkalpalya, 
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560060

Acura Speciality Hospital

No. 105, 5th Block, 17th C Main Road, KHB Colony , Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095

Our Happy Patient

Testimonials
Dr Monika is awesome!! Not only is she an excellent surgeon but most importantly to us as patient and caregiver, she has been warm, empathetic, and very supportive. She has always made time to answer our questions and been encouraging throughout my wife's cancer journey. We are very grateful to her.
Ajay Nangalia
My mom was suffering with endometric carcinoma. Dr Monica guided us with a right treatment and operated my moms surgery successfully. She was available to answer our queries after the surgey as well. She was sweet and helped us curing the disease. Really happy with the service.
Neelufar N.S

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Disclaimer Statement

This website is built with intention of providing basic details about the various diseases. The contents of the website is not meant to replace an in-person consultation. Please follow the advise of your doctor via in-person consultation. This website will not assume any legal responsibility for the patient’s medical condition.
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