SENTINEL LYMPH NODE SCINTIGRAPHY IN BREAST CARCINOMA- COMPARISON OF TWO VERSUS FOUR INJECTION SITE TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Purpose: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first regional node that drains lymph from the primary tumour and receives seeding of metastatic cells. Axillary node dissection remains the most reliable predictor of disease outcome. Controversies still exist about several aspects of lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy for breast cancer, including number of radioisotope injection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success rate of different number of injection sites in the detection of SLN in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 consecutive breast cancer patients were divided into two groups. Group A (60 patients) received four intradermal periareolar (ID-PA) injections. Group B (60 patients) received two ID-PA injections.Imaging was carried out at 45 min post-injection. A gamma probe was used to explore the SLNs during surgery. Results: In Group A, 60 females with the mean age of 50.77 years were included in the study. 34 (56%) patients had single SLN. 25 (41.7%) had SLN with the second tier. 1 (1.7%) was negative. Group B included 60 patients (59 females and 1 male) with the mean age of 51.9 years. In 30 (50%) patients, single SLN was detected. 29 (48.3%) had SLN with the second tier. 1 (1.7%) was negative. Conclusion: SLN mapping with two periareolar ID injections carries less radiation dose and less pain as compared to the four injections with equal sensitivity for the visualization of SLNs. Key words: Breast cancer, intradermal injection, sentinel lymph node, Tc99 human serum albumin