Breast Cancer
Evolutions in Radiotherapy for Early Breast Cancer
Read moreBirmingham Breast Group
The surgical team at Birmingham Breast Group offer the most advanced surgical techniques for armpit lump removal near Nottingham.
Our highly skilled team performs armpit lump removal as part of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
If you would like to find out more about breast cancer care at our highly regarded breast surgery clinics near Nottingham, you can contact us by phone on 0121 704 0383 or email at info@birminghambreastgroup.com.
When cancer spreads from the breast, it often develops in lymph nodes under the arms, called sentinel nodes.
Removal and examination of the sentinel lymph nodes in the armpit in a biopsy procedure gives our oncologists more information about the nature of the cancer and helps them to determine the extent of breast cancer spread.
The location of your sentinel nodes will be established before surgery begins through imaging studies and scans. A blue dye may be introduced into the tissues to aid in the accurate identification of the correct nodes.
The biopsy procedure takes around 30 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic.

Sentinel node biopsy is an essential part of the breast cancer diagnosis and staging process. It is a relatively new surgical and diagnostic approach.
Previously, surgeons would remove more tissue, with a more invasive procedure called an axillary lymph node dissection.
Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) offers significant benefits for patients compared to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).
Analysis of the tissue removed with SNB gives extremely accurate cancer staging information, optimising treatment results.
Sentinel node removal is a precise procedure that has minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
The risk of lymphedema or nerve damage is much lower with sentinel node removal than with ALND.
SNB causes less tissue trauma than ALND, resulting in fewer potential complications, less bruising and reduced pain relief.
The less invasive nature of the procedure compared to ALND means it requires less time in the hospital and results in a faster recovery.
For further information about the procedure, please visit our website.
In most cases, downtime is minimal; however, aftercare is still essential, and your recovery will be monitored at an outpatient appointment at one of our clinics near Nottingham.
We advise patients to rest initially, but you should be able to return to light activities after a few days. You will be able to return to your normal level of activity after a few weeks.
We are constantly evolving our treatments as knowledge of breast cancer treatment develops, and sentinel node biopsy is just one of the state-of-the-art procedures that we offer as part of the excellent breast cancer care to our patients.
Our multidisciplinary team of breast specialists offers a full spectrum of cancer care, from diagnosis to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Our plastic surgeons also provide reconstructive breast surgery to restore body confidence after your treatment is complete.
You can learn more about our team and how we work here.
This procedure may be recommended for you if you have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Patients with advanced or aggressive cancers may also benefit from sentinel node removal as a means of developing the best treatment plan.
All our Nottingham patients have a thorough consultation with a doctor from the team. Your case and medical history will then be reviewed by our multidisciplinary team of oncologists and breast surgeons to determine whether the procedure is beneficial for you.
We have four clinics in Birmingham, all offering the same compassionate care and surgical expertise.
Priory Rd
Edgbaston
Birmingham B5 7UG
Tel 0121 704 0383
Email info@birminghambreastgroup.com
1 Damson Parkway
Solihull B91 2PP
Tel 0121 7041451
Email info@birminghambreastgroup.com
Little Aston Hall Drive
Sutton Coldfield
B74 3UP
Tel 0121 353 2444
Email info@birminghambreastgroup.com
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Tel 0121 468 2748
Email info@birminghambreastgroup.com
Nottingham is a historic city in the East Midlands of England, located on the River Trent about 130 miles north of London. It is world-famous for its links to the legend of Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw said to have lived in nearby Sherwood Forest. The city is surrounded by green belt land, including large tracts of Sherwood Forest.
The city boasts a variety of landmarks. Nottingham Castle, recently redeveloped into a major visitor attraction, tells the story of the city’s past and its legendary outlaw. Another highlight is the Old Market Square, one of the largest public squares in the UK, which serves as the heart of civic life and hosts seasonal events.
Nottingham has produced many notable residents, including author D.H. Lawrence, fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, and Olympic ice dancers Torvill and Dean.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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