A prospective study to evaluate the axilla in cases of breast carcinoma to exclude axillary lymph node dissection in sentinel lymph node negative cases

Abstract

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become standard to stage the axilla in cases of clinically and Ultrasound negative axilla avoiding unnecessary axillary Lymph node dissection which is associated with higher morbidity in patients
Objective: 1. The Primary objective is to preoperatively detect axillary metastasis in USG confirmed node negative axilla and perform Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy, 2. To negate the need for axillary lymph node dissection and biopsy in the treatment of breast cancer patients with sentinel node negative
Materials and Methods: A total number of 80 patients with core needle biopsy proved were subjected to USG of Breast and axilla. The patients who had suspicious features in USG axilla were subjected to USG Guided FNAC. The patient having positive (metastasis) over USG guided FNAC were subjected to ALND and those patients with USG guided FNAC Negative and Normal USG Axilla i.e. No suspicious over USG were subjected to SLNB using blue dye. The SLNB negative cases were followed up with Adjuvant Chemotherapy and every 3months in combination with sonography of the breast and the axilla. Mammograms, X-ray and abdominal sonography performed annually.