Sentimag® Technique for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients: Evaluation of Effectiveness, Feasibility and Challenges.

Aim: The gold standard technique of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is the dual technique of radioactive tracer with blue dye. The aim of this study was to assess the node identification rate and feasibility in terms of ease of use of this technique for SLNB in breast cancer patients. Retrospectively collected data of 143 breast cancer patients with clinically and radiologically negative axilla were analysed.

Should axillary ultrasound be used in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ?

Background: We evaluated the usefulness of axillary ultrasound (US) in patients with core biopsy-proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods: Preoperative axillary US, fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and sentinel lymph node (SLN) data from women with DCIS were reviewed.

Results: Eighty-two women with DCIS underwent axillary US.

Distance of breast cancer from the skin and nipple impacts axillary nodal metastases.

Background: Lymphatic drainage of the breast is via subareolar and dermal lymphatics. The aim of this study was to determine whether distance of breast cancers from the skin and/or distance from the nipple impacts the likelihood of axillary nodal metastases.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of sonographically visible T1 and T2 breast cancers with breast and axillary surgery performed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Sentinel lymph node surgery in uncommon clinical circumstances.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery has largely replaced axillary dissection for nodal staging in clinically node negative breast cancer patients. However, in patients with previous breast and/or axillary surgery, pregnant patients, male patients, multifocal/multicentric breast tumors, DCIS, and patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the use of SLN surgery is more controversial. Lymphoscintigraphy is important in patients with prior surgery to evaluate for drainage to extra-axillary sites.