A protocol for imaging axillary lymph nodes in patients undergoing breast-specific gamma-imaging.

Unlabelled: The development of small-field-of-view, breast-optimized, gamma-camera designed for breast scintigraphy has resulted in improved breast lesion detection-particularly for lesions smaller than 1 cm. However, unlike with the standard gamma-camera, these images do not include the axilla within the field of view.

Methods: Because of the effectiveness of breast scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-sestamibi in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases, this article describes the development of an axillary imaging protocol for these small-field-of-view systems.

Accuracy of intraoperative touch imprint cytologic analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Background: Eliminating full axillary dissection (AD) in the face of negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) has become increasingly popular. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative touch imprint cytology in detecting clinically significant metastatic involvement of the SLN.

Methods: Retrospective review of intraoperative cytology and final hematoxylin-eosin stain evaluation of sentinel nodes examined in a community hospital from 1997 to 2002.