Factors influencing the number of sentinel lymph nodes identified in patients with breast cancer.

Background: Although the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as the first node draining a tumor, multiple nodes are often identified. Few SLNs are required for adequate staging; removal of more may be unnecessary. The objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the number of SLN identified.

Surgeon and community factors affecting breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Background: We sought to determine whether the results of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are related to practice and community factors.

Methods: This prospective study included more than 300 surgeons from a variety of practice environments. Most surgeons had minimal experience with SLN biopsy prior to this study.

Effect of lymphoscintigraphy drainage patterns on sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer.

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy examination is an accepted method of staging breast cancer patients. SLN biopsy examination in patients with drainage to the internal mammary chain (IMC) nodes is controversial.

Methods: A prospective study of SLN biopsy examination followed by axillary dissection was analyzed to determine how surgeons manage patients with IMC drainage and the rates of axillary SLN identification and positivity in these cases.

Biopsy type does not influence sentinel lymph node status.

Background: This study sought to determine whether the type of biopsy examination independently affects sentinel lymph node (SLN) status in breast cancer patients.

Methods: A prospective multicenter study of patients who had SLN biopsy examination followed by axillary node dissection was analyzed to determine whether the type of biopsy examination influenced SLN status.

Results: Of the 3853 patients studied, 32% had a positive SLN.

Factors predicting failure to identify a sentinel lymph node in breast cancer.

Background: Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is widely accepted as a minimally invasive method of nodal staging, failure to identify an SLN mandates a level I/II axillary node dissection. The purpose of this study was to elucidate factors that independently predict failure to identify an SLN.

Methods: Using a large multicenter prospective study of SLN biopsy for patients with invasive breast cancer, we performed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to determine clinicopathologic factors predictive of failure to identify an SLN.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer: improvement in results over time.

Many modifications in the technique of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer have taken place since it was first introduced. This analysis was undertaken to determine, in a large multi-institutional study, whether SLN biopsy results have improved over time. Patients with clinical stage T1-2, N0 breast cancer were enrolled in this prospective study between August 1997 and February 2002.