Risks are low — seroma, small wound complications, minor lymphoedema (<5%), temporary shoulder discomfort, and rare allergic reactions to blue dye. Major complications are uncommon with standard technique.

✦ Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Q: How accurate is sentinel node biopsy?

When performed with dual tracer (blue dye plus radioisotope), SLNB identifies the sentinel node in over 95% of cases with a false-negative rate under 10%. It is highly reliable for axillary staging in experienced hands.

Q: What if the sentinel node is positive?

Management depends on tumour characteristics and number of positive nodes. Options include additional axillary surgery (ALND), axillary radiotherapy, or no further surgery based on trial data and multidisciplinary discussion.

Q: Will my urine be blue?

Yes — if blue dye is used, urine turns blue-green for 24–48 hours and the skin at the injection site may be blue for weeks to months. This is harmless and fades gradually over time.

The first few lymph nodes draining the breast are identified and removed to stage breast cancer — avoiding the complications of full axillary clearance.

30–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care / 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RECOVERY

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

30–60 minDURATION

Day Care / 1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is sentinel node biopsy?+

What if the sentinel node is positive?+

Will my urine be blue?+

What are the risks?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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