Sentinel lymph node mapping in non-small cell lung cancer
Okunaka, T.; Kato, H.
Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi 104(11): 778-780
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-4894 PMID: 14628715 Document Number: 552441
Although identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) with dye or radioisotope tracers has become a standard of care in both breast cancer and melanoma, it remains investigational in patients with lung cancer. SLN mapping has been performed in non-small cell lung cancer patients using isosulfan blue and radioisotope. The radioisotope method of SLN mapping appears to be more accurate than the dye technique in lung cancer patients. Several reports have demonstrated the feasibility of identifying the first site of potential nodal metastases of NSCLC. Furthermore, accurate sentinel node identification allows pathologists to focus on examinations with sensitive techniques to validate the SLN and to identify the presence of skip metastasis.