Sentinel node biopsy

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Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of the lymphatic system 
Lymphatic system

Sentinel node biopsy is recommended for people with certain types of cancer in order to determine whether the cancer cells have migrated into the lymphatic system.

Sentinel node biopsy is routinely used for people with:

  • Breast cancer
  • Melanoma

Sentinel node biopsy is sometimes used in other types of cancer, such as:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
References
  1. Harlow SP, et al. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: Techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 3, 2011.
  2. Robison K, et al. Update on sentinel lymph node evaluation in gynecologic malignancies. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;23:8.
  3. Sentinel lymph node biopsy. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/sentinel-node-biopsy. Accessed Oct. 3, 2011.
MY00828 Nov. 15, 2011

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