HealthPoint
Sentinel node biopsy spares side effects
Mills-Peninsula surgeons use an approach called sentinel node biopsy that can spare women who have early-stage, invasive breast cancer from side effects of extensive lymph node removal, according to Kathryn Carolin Amirikia, M.D. breast surgery specialist.
“When any woman is diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, she worries about whether or not it has spread,” the surgeon said.
“Breast cancer primarly spreads through the lymph nodes and those in the underarm are the most accurate indicators of survival.
Traditional surgery included an axillary node dissection, which involves removing 10 to 20 nodes just to be sure we got any cancer that might have spread.
“Sentinel node biopsy allows us to identify, remove and closely examine just the node or nodes most likely to tell an accurate story about the cancer’s progress,” Dr. Amirikia said.
“It works using dye or radioisotopes. For example, blue dye is injected into the tumor. The underarm nodes that turn blue are guarding that area of the breast. If they contain cancer, there’s a possibility that others in the region also do.
“Research continues, but early studies determined that the approach is safe and effective,” she said, “and it may be a better diagnostic tool.
“With the sentinel node approach, we take an extensive look at the cells using what are called immunohisto chemical markers. We are finding more cancers and staging them more accurately so we can prescribe the best treatment.”
"Also important, sentinel node biopsy spares women from side effects including a condition that causes painful swelling of the affected arm called lymphedema, numbness, reduced range of motion or possible nerve injury.
"In today’s world, a sentinel lymph node biopsy for smaller breast cancer should be the standard of care," the specialist said.
For more information about sentinel node biopsy and breast cancer, click here.
Kathryn Carolin Amirikia, M.D., received her medical degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she later served as assistant professor of general surgery and Associate director for the Alexander J Walt Comprehensive Breast Center. She has participated in research and published widely on breast cancer topics. Dr. Amirikia lives in the East Bay with her husband, Saeed and son, Arman.