What does sentinel lymph node biopsy treat?

A tracer, dye, or both are used to identify the first lymph node or nodes draining the tumour area. A surgeon removes these nodes, and a laboratory examines them for cancer cells. The result helps show whether cancer has begun to travel through the lymphatic system.

The procedure is commonly considered for selected breast cancers and melanomas. A negative result may mean that a larger lymph-node operation is unnecessary, while detected cancer can affect staging and discussions about surgery, radiotherapy, or medicines. The biopsy itself is not a cancer treatment.

Tell the surgical team about allergies, medicines that affect bleeding, pregnancy possibility, and previous operations in the area. Afterward, follow wound instructions and watch for increasing redness, drainage, swelling, fever, numbness, or reduced movement near the operation site. Ask when the pathology result will be discussed.

Contact the team promptly for fever, spreading redness, uncontrolled pain, heavy bleeding, or a wound that opens. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or facial swelling needs urgent medical attention. A swollen arm or leg after node surgery also warrants assessment.

Why is this biopsy recommended for my cancer? How many nodes may be sampled? When will pathology be available? How could a positive or negative result change the next treatment?