Surgery
Mastectomy
Lumpectomy
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Breast Reconstruction
Axillary Node Dissection
Informed Consent
Radiation Therapy
Treatment Decisions
Treatment Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If you identify a sentinel lymph node does that mean that the cancer has spread?
NO. Finding a sentinel lymph node only means that we are able to find a node or nodes that has taken up the tracer or blue dye. It only identifies the lymph node that is at the highest risk to have metastatic cancer in it.
2. Is the sentinel lymph node identification foolproof?
NO. We believe that it is approximately 98% accurate in finding the first line of cancer spread. That means we could potentially miss 1 to 2% of cancer metastasis.
3. Can there be more than one sentinel lymph node?
YES. You can have several nodes show up with radioactive tracer. Usually only one is blue. On average 2 or 3 nodes are removed.
4. Can I have an axillary node dissection if I want one?
YES. Even if there is no evidence of spread in the sentinel lymph node, you are entitled to have levels I and II removed. It is still considered the standard of care.
5. What happens if you can't find a sentinel node or if more than one lights up?
It is the surgeon's judgment that determines if a node dissection needs to be completed. When in doubt, it is still the safest course and the surgeon should remove level I and II lymph nodes.
6. Why wouldn't a sentinel lymph node show up?
Some tumors do not drain via the axillary lymphatics and therefore cannot be identified. Not finding a sentinel lymph node may also help the oncologist to determine the need for chemotherapy. Lymph nodes that are replaced completely with tumor may not take up the tracer.
7. What happens to the radio-labeled tracer and the blue dye?
It is excreted in the urine and therefore you will see blue urine for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your skin may also have a blue discoloration on the breast and systemically.
8. Do I have to spend the night in the hospital?
If you require an axillary node dissection you will have a drain and may be kept overnight. If your node is negative you should be able to go home the same day. The decision to spend the night in the hospital or not will be made by you and your surgeon.
