Which specialist performs sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Lymph fluid from a tumour area often drains first to a small group of sentinel nodes. During the procedure, the surgical oncologist uses a mapping method to identify these nodes, removes them through an incision and sends them to pathology. A pathologist examines the tissue for cancer cells. The findings help the oncology team decide whether further lymph-node treatment or other care should be discussed.

Ask which mapping method will be used and whether it happens before or during surgery. Tell the team about allergies, previous reactions to dyes, pregnancy possibility, medicines and lymphatic conditions. Clarify where the incision will be, how the wound should be cared for, and when pathology results will be explained.

After the biopsy, report increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, numbness that concerns you, or reduced movement near the operation site. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, facial swelling, fainting or heavy bleeding, especially if a mapping dye was used. Follow the discharge instructions for wound care and activity.

Ask: Which nodes will be sampled? Who will perform the mapping and biopsy? What does a positive or negative result mean for my plan? Could I need another lymph-node operation? When will the pathology result be ready?