Sentinel Node Biopsy

If a breast cancer is to spread it will spread via the lymphatics to the lymph nodes under the arm, or less commonly to the lymph nodes next to the sternum. It is routine to take a sample (usually 2-3) of these lymph nodes when your breast cancer is surgically removed to check for any microscopic spread. This is called a ‘sentinel node biopsy’.

To accurately identify the first draining lymph node of your breast, you will need to have a procedure performed either the day before, or morning of your surgery. This procedure is called ‘lymphoscintigraphy’ and is performed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of the hospital. You will have a radioactive tracer injected into your breast which will get taken up by the first draining lymph nodes. A special probe is then used at the time of surgery to identify these lymph nodes. You will usually have a separate small incision made under your arm pit to remove the lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes will be sent to the pathologist to check for any cancer spread, along with the tumour that has been removed. The results take around 10-14 days and Dr Forsyth will discuss these with you at your post op appointment.