The sentinal node: the Dijon experience
Hoyek, T.; Benoit, L.; Fraisse, J.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 31(6): 565-571
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 12407328 Document Number: 541656
The goal of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer and its capacity to predict axillary node status. Between February 2000 and June 2001, 70 patients with invasive breast carcinomas referred to the cancer center of Dijon, underwent lymphatic mapping (patent blue dye and lymphoscintigraphy with a gamma probe) and sentinel node biopsy followed by axillary clearance (Berg's level 1 and 2). A sentinel node was identified in 94.26% of the patients. We noted 2 false negative sentinel lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node was involved in 32.8% of the patients and was the only node involved in 14.2% of the patients. This study confirms the feasibility of sentinal node mapping, emphasizing the advantage of using two methods (patent blue dye and gamma probe). A learning curve is required. This procedure is not adapted for tumors larger than 3 cm because of a greater risk of sentinel node involvement and the need for a complete procedure with an axillary clearance.