Experience of sentinel axillary node biopsy in early breast cancer patients at SASMEC: an interim analysis

• Main Authors: Hassan, Nadirah, J, Muhammad, AH, Shahida, Mahno, Noor Ezmas, T, Sahrol Azmi, Ahmad Affandi, Khairunisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UKM 2023
• Subjects: RD Surgery
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/110465/7/110465_Experience%20of%20sentinel%20axillary%20node%20biopsy.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/110465/; https://www.medicineandhealthukm.com/ibrowser; https://doi.org/10.17576/MH.2023.s1807

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the current trend of axillary staging in early breast cancer. The aim is to reduce the risk of lymphedema as compared to the traditional axillary dissection. Our objective is to review our experience in sentinel lymph node biopsy for early breast cancer at SASMEC. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review involving early breast cancer patients with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes (T1 T2, cN0) between October 2022 till October 2023 at Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre@IIUM. During SLNB, 3 ml of methylene blue 1% was injected into the peritumoral area. It is followed by frozen section sample to confirm the presence of metastasis. For those with metastasis, we will proceed with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Results: Sentinel lymph nodes (SN) were identified in 10 patients. Eight patients had negative metastasis on frozen section and SLNB sufficed. Two patients were positive for metastasis and subsequently proceeded with axillary dissection. They were namely one micrometastasis (0.3 mm) and one macrometastasis were detected from the frozen section sample. No serious adverse event was observed. Conclusion: Single method sentinel node biopsy in a good hand is sufficient for axillary staging in early breast cancer. In a limited resources center, we can also benefit the patient by reducing the risk of debilitating lymphedema and unnecessary axillary dissection.