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Sentinel node biopsy is a technique which helps determine if a cancer has spread (metastasized), or is contained locally. When a cancer has been detected, often the next step is to find the lymph node closest to the tumor site and retrieve it for analysis. The concept of the "sentinel" node, or the first node to drain the area of the cancer, allows a more accurate staging of the cancer, and leaves unaffected nodes behind to continue the important job of draining fluids. The procedure involves the injection of a dye (sometimes mildly radioactive) to pinpoint the lymph node which is closest to the cancer site. Sentinel node biopsy is used to stage many kinds of cancer, including lung and skin (melanoma.
Update Date:
02/05/2008
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Melanoma of the liver - MRI scan |
Skin cancer, malignant melanoma |
Skin cancer, raised multi-color melanoma |
Skin cancer, melanoma - flat, brown lesion |
Skin cancer, melanoma - raised, dark lesion |
Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail |
Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma |
Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma |
Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma |
Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading |
Melanoma - neck |
Malignant melanoma |
Sentinel node biopsy |
Sun protection |
Skin |
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