Sentinel node biopsy is a procedure used to check whether cancer has spread locally or to surrounding lymph nodes. It is used for breast cancer treatment in India. 

The sentinel nodes are the first few lymph nodes to which cancer spreads. In sentinel node biopsy, a tracer material is used to help the breast cancer surgeon in India find the sentinel nodes during surgery. The sentinel nodes are removed and tested in a lab.

If the sentinel nodes are free of cancer, then cancer probably hasn’t spread. This means that removing additional lymph nodes is not necessary. More surgery might not be needed.

If a sentinel lymph node biopsy shows cancer, you might need to have more lymph nodes removed for testing. In India, the doctors at top breast cancer hospitals use sentinel lymph node biopsies because, in many cases, it helps to detect the cancer better. 

This blog by Cross Border Care, the best medical consultants in India, will give you more information on how this biopsy is performed to get the best breast cancer treatment in India. 

Breast Cancer Treatment India: Understanding Sentinel Node Biopsy

As our readers know, lymph nodes are an important part of our immune system. They contain cells that monitor foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and cancer. Sentinel nodes are the first nodes that drain from a specific location in the body, and mapping them helps identify the lymph nodes at the highest risk of cancer. 

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical approach to identify and remove a sentinel node to determine if the cancer has spread and how far it has spread. 

How is Sentinel Node Biopsy Performed?

Pre-surgery preparation:

• • A breast cancer surgeon in India or a nuclear medicine provider injects a radiotracer (marker) near the tumor site. The options include: 
    • Radioactive Solution: In this option, a weak radioactive solution is injected near the cancer. This solution then travels to the sentinel nodes. The injection is given several hours before the biopsy. 

• Blue Dye: in this option, a harmless blue dye is injected into the area near the cancer. The dye travels to sentinel nodes, staining them with bright blue. It is injected just before the biopsy. 

• The radiotracer travels through the lymphatic system (network of lymph channels and nodes).
• This helps the surgeon identify the sentinel lymph node(s), the first node(s) draining from the tumor.

During surgery:

• The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
• After the removal of the primary tumor, the surgeon makes a small incision and locates the sentinel lymph node. 
• The sentinel lymph nodes are removed for analysis.
• A pathologist examines the lymph node to check for cancer cells.

Post-surgery and recovery:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy is typically an outpatient procedure.
• Most patients can leave the hospital on the same day unless they are undergoing additional surgery.
• An adult should drive the patient home after the procedure.
• Follow up with the doctor for specific aftercare instructions, including when to resume normal activities.

Is the Biopsy Painful? 

Patients getting treatment for breast cancer in India report brief pain and discomfort when the retractor is injected into the tumor site. This part is done in less than 45 seconds. Doctors usually perform the actual biopsy under general anesthesia, so the pain is relatively less. 

What happens if the sentinel node biopsy is positive? 

The negative results of the biopsy show that the result has not spread. A positive biopsy means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. If the biopsy is positive, the breast cancer surgeon in India will remove the lymph nodes having cancer, and you will also need additional cancer treatment in India. 

SLNB is often considered for women with early-stage breast cancer and is typically not used for women with inflammatory breast cancer. It might be used for women with locally advanced breast cancer in certain instances, such as after neoadjuvant treatment.

Although SLNB has become a standard procedure, it requires a great deal of skill. It should be done only by a surgeon who has experience with this technique. If you are offered this type of biopsy, ask your surgeon if they do them regularly.

Breast Cancer Treatment Delhi: Top Reasons to Get SLNB in India

Early Detection of Cancer Spread: SLNB in India helps detect whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, especially in cancers like breast, melanoma, and certain types of head and neck cancers. Identifying the sentinel lymph node provides an early indication of cancer spread, guiding further treatment decisions.

Minimally Invasive: Compared to traditional lymph node removal (which involves removing multiple lymph nodes), SLNB is less invasive. It involves only the removal of the sentinel lymph node, reducing surgical risks and recovery time, which is an advantage for patients in India who may have limited access to healthcare facilities or who prefer shorter recovery periods.

Personalized Treatment: The results from SLNB help determine the extent of surgery to the Breast Cancer Treatment specialists in India and whether the patient needs further treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. This personalized approach is essential in India, where treatment options may vary depending on healthcare access and the stage of cancer.

Cost-Effective: SLNB is a cost-effective method in India, as it helps avoid unnecessary lymph node removal and the associated costs, making it a more affordable option for patients looking for affordable Breast Cancer Treatment Costs in India. 

Cost of Sentinel Node Biopsy at Top Cancer Hospitals in India

Choose Cross Border Care for your Sentinel Node Biopsy in India

• We will provide you access to the top breast cancer specialists in India. 
• The leading cancer hospitals in India have top technology and the latest equipment that will guarantee you precision in sentinel node biopsy. 
• Cancer treatment costs in India are affordable, and we will help you get maximum discounts on tests and medicines. 
• We have a dedicated team for international patients, providing services like assistance with travel arrangements, visas, accommodation, and language support. This ensures a hassle-free experience for patients seeking treatment in India.
• We will manage your appointment scheduling and treatment timelines which will help you receive timely care and return home without lengthy waits.
• Post-surgical care and follow-up consultations are available to ensure patients recover smoothly.
•  We ensure continuous support for international patients after surgery, either through virtual consultations or in-person visits during follow-up.

To get sentinel lymph node biopsy in India, contact Dr Nadeem Khan today!!