Controversial topics in breast lymphatic mapping

Semin Oncol. 2004 Jun;31(3):324-32. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2004.03.014.

Abstract

As a result of increased accuracy of staging and decreased patient morbidity, lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer has enjoyed a rapid acceptance into clinical practice. Despite the use of lymphatic mapping techniques to obtain nodal staging information, many controversies remain. We have attempted to highlight the major controversies in this report.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Coloring Agents
  • Contraindications
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnosis*
  • Massage
  • Pathology, Surgical / standards
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy* / methods
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy* / standards

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Radiopharmaceuticals