Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
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.
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.
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
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Avoids unnecessary removal of all underarm lymph nodes
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Significantly reduces risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema)
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Accurate cancer staging from just 1–2 key nodes
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Smaller incision and quicker recovery than ALND
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Better shoulder mobility and arm function preserved
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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
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in Hyderabad depends on the type of breast condition, mapping technique used, complexity of the procedure, investigations required, and the care needed before and after surgery.
For patients requiring evaluation of the sentinel lymph node to assess possible spread of breast cancer, the approximate cost ranges between ₹60,000 and ₹1,40,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, findings during evaluation, mapping method used, pathology requirements, and whether any additional procedures are required.
Factors That Influence Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) Cost
The overall cost may depend on:
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Type of breast condition: The diagnosis, stage of disease, and need for lymph node evaluation may influence treatment planning and surgical requirements.
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Pre-operative evaluation: Required breast imaging, biopsy reports, staging investigations when needed, blood tests, and medical assessments before surgery may affect the overall cost.
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Lymph node mapping technique: The method used for identifying the sentinel lymph node, including specialised mapping agents or techniques, may influence the procedure cost.
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Pathology evaluation: Detailed examination of the removed lymph node tissue may affect the overall cost.
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Additional procedures: If SLNB is performed along with lumpectomy, mastectomy, or other breast procedures, the total cost may vary.
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Hospital stay and post-operative care: The duration of admission, medicines, wound care, and follow-up requirements may influence the final estimate.
Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) Covered by Insurance?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be covered by health insurance when it is performed as part of medically necessary breast cancer evaluation or treatment. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, exclusions, and approval process.
Our insurance support team can assist you with checking your policy coverage, required documentation, cashless approval process, and insurance-related queries before surgery.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Tejasree Vengala
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
During consultation, Dr. Tejashree Vengala, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon in Hyderabad, will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and investigation reports to determine the appropriate surgical approach. She will explain the procedure, expected recovery, and guide you regarding the estimated cost based on your individual condition and treatment requirements.
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