SENTINEL LYMPH NODE

LYMPHATIC MAPPING IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CARCINOMA

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a localization technique for the
sentinel lymph node in patients with early breast carcinoma using 1% isosulphan blue. Study Design: Prospective study
Place and Duration: Departments of Pathology, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad and Sheikh Zayed Hospital,
Lahore and Departments of Surgery, Allied & DHQ Hospitals, Faisalabad from July 2002 – June 2003. Patients and
Methods: 1% Isosulphan blue was used to identify the sentinel node in cases of early (T1 & T2) breast cancer. The
dye was injected just before the incision was made. The area was massaged. Mastectomy was done. The sentinel node
was identified by following the blue track to the first coloured lymph node. This was removed and submitted separately
for histopathology along with the mastectomy specimen. Results: The procedure was performed in 95 cases. SLN
were identified in 80 (84%) patients. The mean age was 43.99 years. Majority of the tumours were located in the right
breast in the upper outer quadrant. One SLN was identified in 93%, 2 in 3% and 3 were noted in 4% of the cases.
Conclusion: Injection of 1% isosulphan blue around the tumour is an effective method for isolation of the SLN in
selected cases. It saves the patient of the side effects of axillary clearance in node negative cases.