Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer | College Station & Bryan, TX
Evaluating Whether Cancer Has Spread
When treating breast cancer, one important question is whether cancer cells have spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a focused surgical procedure designed to answer that question with precision while minimizing unnecessary tissue removal.
Rather than removing many lymph nodes, this procedure identifies and removes only the first few lymph nodes that drain the breast. These are called sentinel nodes. If cancer were spreading, these would be the most likely nodes to contain it.
Our approach is careful, evidence-based, and individualized to your diagnosis and overall treatment plan.
Why Lymph Node Evaluation Matters
Lymph node status helps determine:
• The stage of breast cancer
• Whether additional treatments such as chemotherapy may be recommended
• The need for further lymph node surgery
For many women, sentinel lymph node biopsy provides accurate staging information while avoiding the risks associated with more extensive node removal.
How Sentinel Lymph Nodes Are Located
To identify the sentinel nodes, special techniques are used prior to or during surgery.
MagTrace® / Sentimag System
A small magnetic tracer is injected into the breast before surgery. During the procedure, a handheld probe detects the tracer and guides the surgeon to the sentinel lymph nodes.
Benefits may include:
• No radioactive material
• Flexible scheduling
• Accurate localization
Blue Dye Technique
A blue dye is injected into the breast at the time of surgery. The dye travels to the sentinel nodes, allowing them to be visually identified and removed.
The method used depends on your clinical situation, imaging findings, and surgical planning.
What Happens During Surgery
• Performed under general anesthesia
• A small incision is made in the underarm (axilla)
• Typically 1–4 sentinel nodes are removed
• The incision is closed with sutures
Patients go home the same day.
What the Pathology Results Tell Us
The removed lymph nodes are carefully examined under a microscope.
Results may show:
• No cancer present in the nodes
• Microscopic cancer cells
• More significant lymph node involvement
If sentinel nodes are free of cancer, no additional lymph node surgery is usually needed.
If cancer is found, recommendations depend on tumor type, extent of involvement, and your overall treatment plan. In some cases, additional lymph node surgery may be discussed. In others, radiation or systemic therapy may be sufficient.
These decisions are individualized and reviewed carefully with you once final pathology is available.
Possible Side Effects
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is less invasive than full axillary dissection, but some temporary effects are possible.
Seroma
A fluid collection under the arm that may feel firm or swollen. This often resolves on its own and can be drained in the office if needed.
Numbness or Altered Sensation
Temporary numbness or tingling in the upper inner arm may occur due to nearby sensory nerves. This often improves over time.
Lymphedema
The risk of arm swelling is significantly lower with sentinel node biopsy compared to full node dissection, but it is not zero. We discuss risk reduction strategies as part of your postoperative care.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Lymph node evaluation is one part of comprehensive breast cancer care. After surgery, we continue to follow you closely as part of your long-term surveillance plan.
Our philosophy is continuity. We remain involved in your care beyond the operating room — coordinating imaging, monitoring for changes, and serving as a consistent point of contact throughout survivorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lymph nodes are removed during sentinel lymph node biopsy?
Typically one to four nodes are removed.
Is this procedure painful?
Most patients describe mild soreness in the underarm for several days. Discomfort is usually manageable with oral pain medication.
What happens if cancer is found in the lymph nodes?
Treatment decisions depend on the amount of cancer present and your overall breast cancer plan. Additional surgery is not always required.
What is the risk of lymphedema?
The risk is low with sentinel lymph node biopsy, especially compared to full axillary dissection.
Will I need drains?
Drains are not typically required for sentinel lymph node biopsy alone.
When to Schedule a Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and lymph node evaluation is part of your treatment plan, we will guide you through each step with clarity and individualized care.