What are the sentinel lymph nodes?

The sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes in the armpit and therefore the first to be affected after cancer cells have migrated beyond the breast.

Lymph nodes are small structures found all over the body. Their role is to filter lymph fluid, and the lymph vessels under your arm perform this function for the breasts and arms.

Cancer cells may be present in lymph fluid that drains from the breast and will spread to the sentinel lymph nodes.

What is the role of lymph node surgery in my breast cancer journey?

Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed in early-stage breast cancer to identify whether cancer cells have spread beyond the breast.

Examination of the sentinel node can also enable healthcare professionals to identify the stage and grade of breast cancer.

This information helps our breast cancer specialists design a treatment plan.

What happens during a sentinel lymph node biopsy

Before your procedure begins, your surgeon needs to identify your sentinel lymph nodes.

To do this, your surgeon injects a small amount of mildly radioactive liquid called a tracer into the breast. 

Once your surgery has begun, a magnetic probe will be used to identify the path of the tracer from the breast into the sentinel node in the armpit. A blue dye may also be used.

Once the correct nodes have been located, they will be removed.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed using a general anaesthetic and usually takes around 30 minutes.

How long does it take to recover after a lymph node biopsy?

Although node biopsy is a relatively minor procedure, you will need time to recover from the anaesthetic and for your body to heal.

We advise patients to rest for a few days before resuming gentle activities. 

You can return to driving once you can move your arms without discomfort, which usually takes about a week. 

You can return to work after a similar period unless your job is strenuous, in which case you will need to wait a little longer.

Your doctor will monitor your progress at follow-up appointments.

What will happen after sentinel lymph node removal?

Once the biopsied lymph nodes have been analysed, your doctor will confirm your further treatment plan.

This may involve more surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending on the results of the biopsy.

Breast Cancer Care at Birmingham Breast Group

Sentinel node biopsy is one of the interventions provided for patients by our multidisciplinary team of consultant oncoplastic breast surgeons, cancer specialists and health care professionals.

If you would like to find out more about sentinel node biopsy, please contact us on 0121 704 0383 or email info@birminghambreastgroup.com.

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