How many times have you visited the gynecologist & asked about a “Self Breast Check?” You might have a hard time recollecting because you did not pay attention. We are here to tell you about that and many other important aspects of the Sentinel lymph node, which is very much associated with your breast and women’s health.
(People Also Like To Read: Know How Much Angelman Syndrome Treatment Cost In India)
So, what is a sentinel lymph node? How and why is it important? What is needed to know about sentinel lymph nodes? What is the exact purpose of the same in the breast biopsy? Check the below blog for your doubts and in case you need to get your treatment done, are here to contact you!
What is Sentinel Lymph Node? Why Is It Important?
Sentinel lymph nodes are the ones that are tested in order to get the results of whether someone has breast cancer or not. Sentinel nodes are among the first lymph nodes which have the highest chance of getting affected. It is where cancer cells might spread from a tumor.
What are the lymph nodes which we are talking about? Lymph nodes are small organs that “filter” fluid in the body and help protect you from illness.
Sentinel lymph Node & Breast Cancer, what is the relation?
As we have mentioned before, cancer detection takes place first in these lymph nodes, and only then does it travel. Hence, is important to it and its connection with breast cancer.
These are also the nodes in which the tumor drains. Yes! Sentinel nodes are the first few lymph nodes into which a tumor drains. Hence, knowing what is Sentinel lymph Node, is very important.
What do you mean by Sentinel lymph node biopsy?
Sentinel node biopsy is used by oncologists to decide & determine whether cancer has spread beyond a primary tumor. It is used to see if it has moved into your lymphatic system. It’s used most commonly in evaluating breast cancer and melanoma. Contact us to know more!
Who is recommended Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer?
Sentinel node biopsy is recommended for people with certain types of cancer to determine whether the cancer cells have spread into the lymphatic system.
Sentinel node biopsy is routinely used for people with:
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
Sentinel node biopsy is being studied for use with other types of cancer, such as:
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Where is the sentinel lymph node found?
The breast region is not the only place you will get the sentinel lymph, they are also found in other regions. Groups of lymph nodes are located in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin.
(You Might Also Like To Read: Get Best Clavicle Fracture Treatment with GoMedii)
What happens in the Sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure?
In case you have already gone through radioactive solutions before the procedure during the biopsy there will be the use of a small instrument called a gamma detector. This is to determine where the radioactivity has accumulated and identify the sentinel nodes.
How do they identify? It is done if the blue dye is used, it stains the sentinel nodes bright blue, which helps the surgeon understand and identify them.
The surgeon then removes the sentinel nodes. In most cases, there are one to five sentinel nodes, and all are removed. The sentinel nodes are sent to a pathologist to examine under a microscope for signs of cancer.
In some cases, sentinel node biopsy is done at the same time as surgery to remove cancer. Or, a sentinel node biopsy can be done before or after surgery to remove cancer.
Is Sentinel lymph node removal necessary?
Keeping in mind that breast cancer can be easily detected with the help of Sentinel lymph, we can remove that to detect the presence of cancer cells.
How does Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps in early-stage breast cancer?
We have mentioned that the detection of breast cancer can be easier and quicker when sentinel lymph nodes are put under the diagnosis.
What happens if the sentinel node biopsy is positive?
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical approach to identify and remove the sentinel lymph node to determine if cancer has spread, and if so, how far. In most cases, a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy means cancer has not spread. A positive biopsy means the cancer was found in the lymph node.
If you want your breast cancer treatment and know more about what is a sentinel lymph node, choose GoMedii as your healthcare partner to make your treatment process hustle-free and affordable. We have partnerships with one of India’s most reputed hospitals that can help you to get the best at an affordable cost, you can contact us on Whatsapp (+91 9654030724) call us at 9599004811 or email us at connect@gomedii.com our team will respond to you as soon as possible.
(People Also Like To Read: Click Here To Know Why Size Of Fibroids Is Dangerous)
About GoMedii: GoMedii is a Healthcare Technology Platform That Works Out Your Treatment / Surgery the Way You Need & Plan. A Treatment partner that simplifies the patient journey at every step. Drop Your Queries for the most affordable & world-class treatment options.You may simply download the GoMedii app for Android or iOS.