摘要
The presence or absence of metastases in the axillary lymph nodes has remained the most powerful prognostic factor in breast carcinoma. Axillary lymph node dissection （ALND） is the standard procedure for obtaining this information. However, postoperative complications are common. Sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy has been proposed as a potential alternative to ALND for staging breast carcinoma. This technique has been shown to be sensitive and specific for predicting the status of the axillary lymph nodes. Furthermore, it has the potential advantage of decreasing the morbidity associated with ALND.
The presence or absence of metastases in the axillary lymph nodes has remained the most powerful prognostic factor in breast carcinoma. Axillary lymph node dissection （ALND） is the standard procedure for obtaining this information. However, postoperative complications are common. Sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy has been proposed as a potential alternative to ALND for staging breast carcinoma. This technique has been shown to be sensitive and specific for predicting the status of the axillary lymph nodes. Furthermore, it has the potential advantage of decreasing the morbidity associated with ALND.
