Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
The first few lymph nodes draining the breast are identified and removed to stage breast cancer — avoiding the complications of full axillary clearance.
What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)?
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is the standard technique for axillary staging in early breast cancer with a clinically negative axilla. The 'sentinel' nodes — the first few lymph nodes that drain the breast tumour — are identified using blue dye, radioactive tracer, or a combination, and removed for detailed pathology. If these nodes are negative, no further axillary surgery is needed. Dr. Abhishek performs SLNB at Lux Hospitals alongside breast surgery, sparing most patients the morbidity of full axillary clearance.
How the Procedure Works
Tracer Injection
Blue dye and/or radioactive tracer is injected around the tumour or areola preoperatively.
Sentinel Node Identification
A gamma probe detects radioactive sentinel nodes; blue-stained lymphatics guide dissection visually.
Node Excision
Sentinel nodes (usually 1–3) are carefully excised with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.
Intra-operative Assessment
Frozen section or OSNA may be performed if rapid results are needed to guide further axillary surgery.
Closure
The small axillary incision is closed in layers with cosmetic subcuticular skin closure.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Accurate axillary staging with minimal morbidity
- →Avoids full axillary clearance when sentinel nodes are negative
- →Significantly lower risk of lymphoedema than ALND
- →Preserves arm function and shoulder mobility
- →Typically day-care procedure combined with breast surgery
- →Gold-standard staging technique for early breast cancer
Sentinel node biopsy has spared thousands of women the lifelong burden of lymphoedema. Accurate staging with minimal morbidity — this is one of the most important advances in modern breast cancer surgery.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in Hyderabad depends on the patient's breast cancer diagnosis, tumor characteristics, method used to identify the sentinel lymph node, number of nodes requiring removal, pre-operative investigations, anesthesia, and hospital or day-care care. SLNB is a surgical staging procedure used to identify and remove the first lymph node or small group of nodes to which a breast cancer may spread. It is generally considered for selected patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer to help determine whether cancer has reached the axillary lymph nodes while avoiding a more extensive lymph node dissection in appropriate cases. The estimated cost ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹1,40,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹1,00,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Clinically node-negative cancer | ₹60,000 ₹1,40,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, number of sentinel nodes identified, method used for lymphatic mapping, and whether SLNB is performed together with lumpectomy, mastectomy, or another breast procedure. The overall expense may include breast imaging, pathology review, blood tests, anesthesia, operating-room charges, lymphatic mapping materials, surgical supplies, hospital or day-care services, histopathology, and follow-up.
Sentinel node mapping may involve a radiotracer, blue dye, or another clinically appropriate technique. The materials and equipment used for mapping can contribute to the total cost. If the sentinel node examination identifies findings that require additional surgery or further cancer treatment, those treatments may involve separate expenses.
Factors Affecting Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Cost
The cost of SLNB can vary between patients because the surgical plan depends on the breast cancer characteristics, method of lymphatic mapping, number of sentinel nodes identified, and whether the biopsy is performed along with another breast operation.
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Breast cancer characteristics: The diagnosis, tumor size, location, and other pathology findings help determine whether SLNB is appropriate.
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Clinically node-negative status: SLNB is generally used when there is no clear clinical or imaging evidence of significant axillary lymph node involvement.
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Lymphatic mapping method: Radiotracer, blue dye, or another mapping method may be used, and the associated materials can affect the overall cost.
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Number of sentinel nodes: More than one sentinel node may need to be identified and removed for adequate assessment.
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Associated breast surgery: SLNB may be performed with lumpectomy, oncoplastic surgery, or mastectomy, which can affect the total treatment expense.
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Pre-operative imaging and evaluation: Mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI in selected cases, biopsy review, blood tests, and other assessments may be required.
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Biopsy and pathology: Previous biopsy and pathology findings are important for surgical planning and may involve separate diagnostic costs.
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Intra-operative resources: Specialized equipment used for lymphatic mapping and identification of sentinel nodes contributes to procedural expenses.
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Anesthesia and hospital care: Anesthesia, operating-room charges, day-care or inpatient admission, nursing, monitoring, and recovery services contribute to the total cost.
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Histopathology: Removed sentinel nodes require pathological examination to determine whether cancer cells are present, and pathology charges may be separate.
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Additional axillary surgery: If lymph node findings or the overall treatment plan indicate a need for further axillary surgery, this can increase the total cost.
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Post-operative care: Medicines, wound care, follow-up consultations, pathology review, and recovery monitoring may also contribute to the final expense.
Insurance Coverage for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary for the staging and treatment planning of a covered breast cancer diagnosis. Coverage depends on the diagnosis, treatment plan, policy terms, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer guidelines, applicable limits, and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm coverage for lymphatic mapping materials, the SLNB procedure, pathology, anesthesia, hospitalization or day-care treatment, and any associated breast surgery with their insurance provider before planned admission.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Abhishek Katha
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, evaluates patients with breast lumps and other surgical conditions requiring assessment. During consultation, he reviews the breast lump's duration and progression, previous investigations or treatment, medical and surgical history, and available mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, and pathology reports. A clinical examination and review of imaging help assess the breast lesion and the status of the axillary lymph nodes and determine whether further diagnostic evaluation or surgical staging is required. When sentinel lymph node biopsy is being considered, Dr. Abhishek Katha reviews the available clinical, imaging, and pathology findings to determine whether SLNB is appropriate as part of the patient's breast cancer treatment plan. He discusses the lymphatic mapping method, identification and removal of the sentinel nodes, the role of histopathological examination, and whether the procedure will be combined with lumpectomy, mastectomy, or another breast operation. The consultation may also cover anesthesia, expected hospital or day-care stay, recovery and wound care, the possibility of additional axillary treatment depending on the findings, follow-up requirements, and factors that may influence the final treatment cost.
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