European Journal of Surgical Oncology
Volume 32, Issue 10 , Pages 1076-1081, December 2006

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node harvesting in patients with recurrent breast cancer

  • R.M.H. Roumen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, Máxima Medisch Centrum, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB Veldhoven, The Netherlands
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +31 40 888 8556; fax: +31 40 888 8565.
    • ,
  • G.P. Kuijt

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, Máxima Medisch Centrum, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB Veldhoven, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • I.H. Liem

      Affiliations

    • Department of Nuclear Medicine, Máxima Medisch Centrum, 5500 MB Veldhoven, The Netherlands

Accepted 14 August 2006.

Abstract 

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and consequences of lymphatic mapping and a (“repeat”) sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure in patients with breast cancer relapse after previous breast and axillary surgery.

Methods

Review and presentation of a patient cohort. All SLN procedures included lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye injection technique.

Results

Twelve cases are described: two patients after a previous SLN procedure and ten after a previous complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Ten patients (83%) had a successful repeat SLN biopsy. After previous ALND, lymphoscintigraphy revealed drainage towards the internal mammary chain in three patients, and contralateral axillary drainage in four. Based on the information from the “repeat” SLN biopsy further treatment strategy was altered in seven of the 12 patients.

Conclusion

Lymphatic mapping and (repeat) SLN biopsy is possible and can be informative in patients who present with a relapse of breast cancer after previous surgery for primary breast cancer.

Keywords: Sentinel lymph node, Repeat SLN, Lymphatic mapping, Recurrent breast cancer, Axillary staging

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PII: S0748-7983(06)00303-9

doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2006.08.007

European Journal of Surgical Oncology
Volume 32, Issue 10 , Pages 1076-1081, December 2006

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