Is Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy Feasible in Patients with a History of Breast Conserving Surgery?

  • Axillary sentinel node biopsy has been shown to be feasible for axillary staging:
    • In patients with in-breast recurrence or ipsilateral breast second primary tumors
  • Limited prior axillary sampling (less than 9 nodes) has been shown to have greater success in localization
  • Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy:
    • Should be considered given the possibility of aberrant lymphatic drainage due to alterations secondary to prior surgery and radiation
  • References
    • Tokmak H, Kaban K, Muslumanoglu M, Demirel M, Aktan S. Management of sentinel node re-mapping in patients who have second or recurrent breast cancer and had previous axillary procedures. World J Surg Oncol. 2014;12:205.
    • Kothari MS, Rusby JE, Agusti AA, MacNeill FA. Sentinel lymph node biopsy after previous axillary surgery: a review. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2012;38(1):8-15.

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