Sentinel Node Biopsy
Learn More About Sentinel Node Biopsy: Chat with Us | Email Us
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) describes sentinel lymph node mapping as: “The use of dyes and radioactive substances to identify the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread from the primary tumor.” Cancer cells may appear first in the sentinel node before spreading to other lymph nodes and other places in the body.
This is important to know, since determining your sentinel node can make it possible for your care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America to hone in on the exact location for treatment and prevention and spread of your cancer, while avoiding more extensive surgical biopsies and the resulting after effects.
To do this, we are using a new procedure, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, which attempts to reduce the number of your lymph nodes that need to be removed for biopsy. It may also lessen the severity of lymphedema, a condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling. Lymphedema may occur in the arm or leg after lymph vessels or lymph nodes in your underarm or groin are removed or treated with radiation.