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Sentinel Lymph Node Procedures

The Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure is an exciting advancement in minimizing the number of lymph nodes removed in  woman with breast cancer. 

This procedure is preferred by Bradenton Surgical Group surgeons because of the reduced side effects and invasiveness when compared to a standard axillary lymph node dissection.  Patient s successfully treated with the Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure experience less swelling, pain, and lymphedema because fewer lymph nodes are removed.

Surgeons inject a radioactive tracer dye into the breast tumor and follow its spread into the armpit The lymph nodes that pick up the tracer are called the sentinel lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are then removed and studied for the presence of cancer.

If the sentinel lymph node does not have cancer, there is a high likelihood (95%) that surrounding lymph nodes are cancer free.  If cancer is found in a sentinel lymph node an axillary dissection is usually performed.

What to expect from yourSentinal Lymph Node Procedure

Procedure length	15-30min
Time in hospital	May involve an overnight stay if a mastectomy is also done.
Type of anesthesia	General
Return to normal activity	3-7 days (depending on the type of breast surgery performed).
Return to work	1-6 weeks (depending on the type of breast surgery performed).
Return to strenuous activity/exercise	3-6 weeks (depending on the type of breast surgery performed).
Post operative instructions
Notes: Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy is usually done at the same time as a breast Lumpectomy or Mastectomy. You will require Sentinel Node Mapping (special Xrays) by a Radiologist the morning of the procedure.