Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Reviewed
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure that checks your lymph nodes for cancer cells. It is only done if you have already been diagnosed with cancer. This procedure finds, removes, and checks the sentinel lymph node to determine the stage of your cancer.
Preparation and collection
You will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. You may also need to stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, for a certain time before your test. Your provider will let you know when you need to stop taking your medicine and anything else to do to prepare for the test. In addition, be sure to arrange for someone to take you home. You may be groggy and confused after you wake up from the procedure.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- This procedure is only done if you have already been diagnosed with cancer.
- Sometimes, you may have more than one sentinel lymph node.
- Allergic reactions to the tracer are rare and usually mild.
- There is a small risk of infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.
- There is a low risk of lymphedema if only the sentinel lymph node is removed; risk increases with more nodes removed.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider. Your provider will help plan the best treatment for you based on the results.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy