Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Checks the one or two lymph nodes the cancer would reach first, before doing anything more. If they're clear, the rest stay where they are. Most patients keep full arm function and skip the swelling that used to come with bigger surgery.
Checks the one or two lymph nodes the cancer would reach first, before doing anything more. If they're clear, the rest stay where they are. Most patients keep full arm function and skip the swelling that used to come with bigger surgery.
What is sentinel lymph node biopsy?
When breast cancer spreads, it usually goes first to one or two specific lymph nodes under the arm — the 'sentinel' nodes. Checking those nodes tells us whether further treatment of the underarm is needed, without having to remove all the lymph nodes upfront.
Before the operation, a small amount of dye (sometimes a radioactive tracer too) is injected near the cancer. The dye drains to the sentinel nodes, which we then identify and remove during surgery for testing.
Who this is for
- Confirmed breast cancer where the underarm lymph nodes appear normal on examination and ultrasound
How it's done
Before the operation
A small amount of blue dye, and sometimes a radioactive tracer, is injected near the tumour or under the areola. It travels in the lymphatic channels to the sentinel nodes within 15 to 30 minutes.
During the operation
Through a small underarm incision, the sentinel nodes are identified using their dye colour and (if used) a small handheld probe that detects the tracer. Usually 1 to 3 nodes are removed for testing.
After the operation
The nodes go to pathology. If they're clear of cancer, no further underarm surgery is needed. If they show involvement, further node removal or radiation may be discussed.
Recovery & aftercare
First few days
The underarm may be slightly sore and bruised for a few days. Arm movement should be kept normal — gentle exercises help.
Questions worth asking
The risk of long-term arm swelling (lymphedema) after sentinel node biopsy alone is very low, around 5%, much lower than the 20-30% risk that came with full underarm clearance.
Because most patients don't need it. Removing healthy nodes increases the risk of swelling and stiffness without adding cancer benefit. Sentinel biopsy lets us treat the underarm only when needed.
Related care
All specialitiesBreast Cancer Surgery
Surgery for breast cancer, planned around your tumour and your life. Includes lumpectomy and mastectomy, with reconstruction discussed up front rather than as an afterthought.
Learn moreBreast Conserving Surgery
Surgery that removes the cancer but keeps the breast. The shape, the symmetry, the way it sits in clothes — these are things we plan for, not things we hope for.
Learn moreOncoplastic Breast Surgery
Combines the cancer surgery with the plastic-surgery technique that closes it well. One operation, one recovery, with the cosmetic result built in from the start.
Learn moreThe first consultation
is the first step.
Most concerns can be settled in a single, considered conversation. Reach out — answers usually come faster than you’d expect.
Hours
CK Birla Hospital
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Clinic
Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 10 AM
Visit
Medical D/C Center, Kalwar Rd,
Jhotwara, Jaipur 302012