Sentinel lymph node biopsy: What cancer patients should know

We often hear about lymph nodes when we talk about how cancer spreads. That’s because when cancer starts to spread, it often goes to the lymph nodes first.

Physicians use a diagnostic method called sentinel lymph node biopsy when treating breast cancer, melanoma, and – increasingly –head and neck cancers and gynecologic cancers. A sentinel lymph node biopsy looks at a patient’s lymph nodes to determine whether the cancer has spread and what type of cancer treatment is needed.

At MD Anderson, our doctors often use sentinel lymph node biopsies because, in many cases, they help better detect cancer. In fact, about 20% to 30% of “node-negative” patients have cancer in their lymph nodes even though imaging studies like CT scans and ultrasounds suggest that the lymph nodes are negative or do not contain disease.

We spoke with head and neck surgeon Stephen Lai, M.D., Ph.D., to learn more.  

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system. They contain the cells that monitor foreign substances, like bacteria, viruses and cancer. Sentinel lymph nodes are the first nodes that drain from a specific location in the body, and mapping them helps to identify the lymph nodes that are at the highest risk for cancer.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical approach to identify and remove the sentinel lymph node to determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, how far.

What happens during a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Before surgery, a surgeon or nuclear medicine provider injects a marker called a radiotracer around the site of the tumor. The radiotracer flows through the lymphatic system – a path or network of lymph channels and nodes. This allows the surgeon to see what lymph nodes are draining from the tumor first and identify the sentinel lymph node(s).

Patients are placed under general anesthesia. After removal of the primary tumor, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and identifies the lymph node for removal. A pathologist studies the lymph node to determine if it contains cancer.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is often performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients can leave the hospital on the same day unless they’re having additional surgery. You will need to have an adult drive you home. Check with your doctor for specific aftercare instructions, including when you can resume normal activities.

Is a sentinel lymph node biopsy painful?

Some patients have reported brief pain or discomfort when the radiotracer is injected into the tumor site. We can administer a numbing agent to help minimize discomfort. This part of the procedure is relatively quick. We can usually inject the radiotracer around the tumor in less than 45 seconds.

The actual biopsy is done while the patient is under anesthesia. They will be asleep and should not feel any pain.

What happens if a sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive?

In most cases, a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy means the cancer has not spread. The sentinel lymph node biopsy will be negative in 70% to 80% of patients.

A positive biopsy means cancer was found in the lymph node. It could be in other lymph nodes and even other organs. If the biopsy is positive, your doctor will remove other lymph nodes that could
contain disease. You may also need additional cancer treatment.

What are the benefits of sentinel lymph node biopsy?

This technique uses a smaller incision and may prevent patients from needing more invasive surgery. It can shorten recovery times and lower the risk of side effects like lymphedema, tissue swelling caused by the removal of more lymph nodes. 

What are the risks of a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

The risks are very low risk, aside from a 1% to 2% chance that a sentinel lymph node would not be able to be identified.

Some patients have concerns about the radiotracer used to find the sentinel lymph node. While it is radioactive, the tracer has a very low-energy emission particle. No severe adverse reactions have been reported, and the only negative reaction reported has been rare episodes of brief pain during the injection. 

Patients who have a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also experience lymphedema, but they’re less likely to than those who have an open surgery.

What advances are being made in using sentinel lymph node biopsies to help cancer patients? 

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been very well established for melanoma and breast cancer treatment. It’s also more commonly used in Europe and Asia for early-stage oral cavity cancer and is being increasingly used in the U.S.

I completed a Phase III clinical trial that led to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of a new radiotracer for use in patients with oral cavity cancer. I am also the principal investigator on a Phase II/III clinical trial comparing sentinel lymph node biopsy to the current standard-of-care elective neck dissection for early-stage oral cavity cancer patients. These advances help us learn more about the cancer itself while lessening side effects for patients.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is personalized surgery. This means the surgery is tailored to the patient to target the lymph nodes most likely to have cancer.

It helps patients get back to their everyday lives more quickly. It’s all about detecting the cancer effectively and accurately in a way that helps patients maintain their quality of life.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.