SENTINEL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY IN PATIENTS WITH INVASIVE BREAST CARCINOMA

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for defining axillary histopathological status. Pathologically negative axilla rate is increased parallel to increasing diagnosis of early breast carcinoma due to screening methods. The dissection of axillary lymphatic tissue carrying a significant risk of complication is questioned as an unnecessary procedure in breast cancer patients with pathologically negative axilla. The recent studies have been focused on SLN biopsy in order to avoid complete axillary dissection. SLN biopsy was carried out on 22 invasive breast cancer cases with clinically negative axilla, Blue dye (isosulfan blue 1.5%) was used for lymphatic mapping. Primary tumor, SLNs and axillary lymphatic tissue were examined with routine histopathological methods. According to pathologic size of primary tumor, five cases (23%) were T1, 10(45%)T2, and 7 (32%) T3. SLNs were successfully identified in 82% (18/22) of patients. SLNs were metastatic in the half of cases. SLN was the only side of metastasis in one (11%) patient. Results were false negative in 11%. SLN biopsy accurately reflected pathological status of the axilla in 94% (17/18) of patients. Lymphatic mapping with blue dye and SLN biopsy is an easy method with high accuracy in patients with invasive breast cancer. Unnecessary axillary dissection can be avoided if false negativity is minimized with increasing experience.