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Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy
Questions about Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy.
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2/2/2012I am a 35 year old female and i had lumpectomy done five days ago and my surgeon also did a sentinel lymph node biosy (SLNB)during the same surgery. At my post surgery appointment my doctor told me that the "procedure failed". They were not able to find any lymph nodes and the pathology report indicates that it was just fibrocystic breast tissue. My oncologist is suggesting i should now go for axillary lymph node dissection, but the surgeon's opinion differ and she thinks SLNB can still be done. Can i still go for SLNB or is the lymph node system near the tumor are disturbed? I have a 3yr old & I am really lost what to do next and what type of surgery i should go for. your opinion will be highly appreciated.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
2/2/2012The breast is still there to be injected to see if the lymphatic mapping would work if repeated, perhaps using a different method than before. if blue dye used then inquire about using radioactive isotope and vice versa. It sure would be better then defaulting to an ax dissection. Also request that your case be presented at weekly breast cancer tumor board for a team discussion regarding what is the chance you have a positive node. if low chance then the radiation oncologist may even possible recommend doing no sentinel node repeat and instead letting her radiate the area when breast is radiated.

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