Biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes

Description sentinel lymph node biopsy

Biopsy storozhevыh limfouzlov – removal and analysis of a specific tissue of the lymph nodes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is often done to or after removal of cancer. In sentinel lymph node cancer spreads first. Biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes is part of the diagnosis. Diagnosis is an attempt to determine the spread of cancer.

Reasons biopsy sentinel lymph nodes

Biopsy provoditsya, to determine the extent of spread of cancer cells to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer often spreads from the tumor to the nearest lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are called guard. You need to know, that sentinel node, probably, first becomes infected when distributing cancer. In the case of breast cancer, infected cancer sentinel nodes are often found in the armpit.

Possible complications of sentinel lymph node biopsy

Complications are rare, but the procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to sentinel lymph node biopsy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Bleeding or bruising;
• Scarring;
• Nerve Damage;
• An allergy to the dye.

If the lymph nodes are removed, may:

• Delayed healing of surgical wounds;
• Strong pain;
• Limfedema (disorder, wherein the liquid accumulates under the skin, causing swelling).

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Obesity;
• Recent or long-term illness;
• Smoking;
• Poor diet;
• The use of some drugs;
• Blood clotting.

How is the sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Preparing for a biopsy

The doctor will conduct a physical examination. Performed a biopsy of cancerous tissue. Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests;
• Urine;
• Mammography – in the case of breast cancer;
• CT scan – type of X-ray, which uses a computer to produce images of internal body parts;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to take pictures of structures inside the body.

Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

The night before the biopsy can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink for the night. You also need to organize a trip to the procedure and back home from the hospital.

Anesthesia

They can be used the following types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia – blocks pain and the patient support in a sleep state during the procedure. Administered intravenously in the arm or hand.
• Regional anesthesia – blocks pain in a particular area of ​​the body, the patient is awake. Administered by injection.
• Local anesthesia – anaesthetises surgery area, during a biopsy the patient is conscious. It can be provided in the form of injections.

Procedure biopsy sentinel lymph nodes

In the area of ​​the tumor will be put blue dye or radioactive tracer. This can be done in just a few hours before surgery. The dye and a radioactive tracer is sent from a tumor in the region of guard units. This helps to determine, What are lymph nodes guard. The doctor makes a small incision. Sentinel node (or nodes) deleted. The remote host will be tested for cancer cells. If cancer is detected, physician removes the remaining lymph nodes in the area.

If the sentinel node, the cancer is not found, unlikely, it has spread to other lymph nodes. In this case, other lymph nodes were not removed.

How long will the biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes?

Biopsy about zanimaet 30-60 minutes. Surgery to remove the cancer takes more time.

Biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. To reduce the pain after the procedure, the doctor provides pain medicine.

Care after sentinel lymph node biopsy

As a result of sentinel lymph node biopsy is determined, We should be removed by additional lymph nodes. It will also help determine the severity of cancer.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Keep biopsy area clean and dry. Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath or exposed to water biopsy site.

If the sentinel lymph node biopsy had complications, you need to take special precautions:

• You can not measure blood pressure, take blood for analysis, as well as to take pictures of hands, where biopsy;
• Wear gloves, to wash dishes, perform cleaning;
• Do not wear anything, tight fitting arm;
• Do not carry heavy packages, bags, suitcases, grocery bags in her hand, where biopsy;
• For the area of ​​the biopsy need to use a moisturizer;
• Use an electric shaver, if you are going to shave your armpits;
• If the lymph nodes in the axilla is removed during the removal of breast cancer, Physical therapy will help prevent lymphedema.

Contact your doctor after sentinel lymph node biopsy

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• If the lymph nodes were removed: redness, fever, swelling, constraint, and the hardness of the limbs;
• The fingers and toes should always be warm and pink. Consult your doctor, if they are dark or swollen;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Other painful symptoms.