摘要
Objective： To discuss if the sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy is able to reflect the status of the axillary lymph node and the application of this technic in clinic. Methods： Using^ 99mTc-signed dextran, SLN-biopsy （SLNB） was carried out in 182 cases with breast cancer during May 1999 to September 2006. During the operation, y-detector was used for orientation. After the SLNB, a modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery were carried out to the patients, then a particular separate pathological examination of the SLN was made. Results： 178 cases of SLNB were carried out successfully, and the success rate was 97.8%, the out-checked SLN of each case ranged from 1 to 4, with an average of 2.5. All SLN was located at the first level of axilla, sensitivity of the SLN B was 93.4%, specificity was 100%, false negative rate was 6.6%, false positive rate was 0, accuracy was 97.8%, positive predictive value was 100.0%, negative predictive value was 96.7%, and Youden＇s index was 0.934. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out in 59 cases of SLN, and 14 cases showed the existences of micro-metastasis, however, metastasis had not been found in non-SLN of these cases. Conclusion： SLN is able to reflect the metastasis of the axillary lymph node, and this can suggest the necessity of the axillary dissection in clinic. The SLNB using the isotope-tracer technic is simple and accurate.
