✦ TARGETED LYMPH NODE ASSESSMENT

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Q: Why not remove all lymph nodes from the start?

Removing all lymph nodes (axillary dissection) carries risks of arm swelling, stiffness and numbness. SLNB checks only the first draining nodes, sparing women these complications when those nodes are clear of cancer.

Q: What if the sentinel nodes contain cancer?

If significant cancer is found, additional treatment such as completion axillary dissection or targeted radiotherapy may be planned, based on the latest guidelines and the specific cancer features.

Q: Is the blue dye safe?

Yes. The dye and radioisotope used are safe and well-tolerated. The blue dye may temporarily tint the urine for a day or two, which settles on its own.

Q: Will my arm function be normal?

Yes. With only 1–3 small lymph nodes removed, arm function and lymphatic drainage are preserved in the vast majority of patients, significantly reducing long-term complications.

Removal of the first 1–2 lymph nodes draining the breast to check for cancer spread — avoids unnecessary major underarm surgery while accurately staging the cancer.

30–45 min PROCEDURE

1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>95% ACCURACY

1 Week RETURN TO WORK

What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)?

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a precise technique to identify and remove the first one or two lymph nodes that drain the area of the breast cancer. By examining only these key sentinel nodes, surgeons can accurately determine whether the cancer has spread to the underarm without removing all the lymph nodes — significantly reducing the risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema), shoulder stiffness and other long-term complications. Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs SLNB at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, often combined with lumpectomy or mastectomy in the same sitting.

Suitable for women with early breast cancer who have clinically normal underarm lymph nodes — providing accurate staging while sparing them from full axillary clearance and its complications.

How the Procedure Works

Tracer Injection

Before surgery, a special blue dye and / or radioisotope is injected near the breast to map drainage to the sentinel nodes.

Anaesthesia & Preparation

Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, often combined with the main breast surgery in the same sitting.

Sentinel Node Identification

A small underarm incision is made, and the sentinel nodes are identified by their blue colour and / or gamma probe signal.

Targeted Node Removal

Only the sentinel nodes (usually 1–3) are carefully removed and sent for pathology examination.

Closure & Recovery

The small incision is closed with fine sutures and skin glue. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours with minimal discomfort.

Outcomes

30–45 minDURATION

1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>95%ACCURACY

1–2 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Avoids unnecessary removal of all underarm lymph nodes
→Significantly reduces risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema)
→Accurate cancer staging from just 1–2 key nodes
→Smaller incision and quicker recovery than ALND
→Better shoulder mobility and arm function preserved
→Often combined with lumpectomy or mastectomy in the same sitting

Sentinel node biopsy was a turning point in breast cancer surgery — it let us answer the most important staging question with the smallest possible operation. For most women with early disease, that one decision protects the arm for the rest of their life.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not remove all lymph nodes from the start?+

What if the sentinel nodes contain cancer?+

Is the blue dye safe?+

Will my arm function be normal?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

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