Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

A video-animation presentation about sentinel lymph node biopsies for breast cancer diagnosis. 3D graphics are used to explain the process. Topics include the lymphatic system and the methods used. This video is part of the breast cancer education series produced by CancerQuest at Emory University, (www.cancerquest.org).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Breast
• Surgery
• pathology
• lymph
• node
• lymphatic
• sentinel
• SLN

[chimp1girl]

I had this surgery in 2005. My only question is this...why must the entire lymph node be removed? why not just remove a part of it? you dont know the amount of pain i endure (swelling in arm, breast)because of the removal of one lymph node. It looks like just removing part of it would have given them the information they needed.

[CancerQuest]

Lymph nodes are arranged in clusters, like grapes. The functional unit is a single node. If it were possible to remove only a part of a lymph node, the remaining part would not work.

IF the sentinel node can be identified and removed, the remaining nodes should be sufficient. It sounds like you may have had all the nodes removed instead of just the sentinel node. That was common and still happens. Our video on lymphedema has tips on how to reduce the problems caused by this condition.

[Riana718]

@laskov93 Yeah I think it is cause I just got my lymph node biopsy done yesterday and the left side of my bottom lip (on the inside, in my mouth) it feels numb and it's a little red too.

[gloriacase]

Where in Houston, TX. I can find a place where I can get a Sentinel node removal?

[laskov93]

after this surgery i on the botton left on my lip it was swollen and numb is that normal

[zoe1974]

This procedure has enabled doctors to remove only the lymph nodes that are involved. Prior to this technique, all the axillary lymph nodes would be removed for breast cancer patients. Patients who have had most of their axillary lymph nodes removed are at very high risk for lymphedema, which is truly a painful situation.

[msie821]

is it possible to have lymph node swelling after pulling a muscle? I strained my neck almost a year ago and got a palpable one in my neck and im going to see my doctor in 2 weeks for a biospy.