Retrieval, handling and assessment of lymph nodes in cancer resection specimens

Abstract

This review surveys current practice in lymph node assessment in cancer management. The discussion covers the background to currently prescribed protocols, the dissection and handling of lymph nodes, diagnostic specimens (in particular sentinel node biopsies) and therapeutic dissections. Controversies in current practice are addressed and practice guidance given. The review is intended to cover very practical aspects of these assessments and it is intended that the readership of this article be as wide as possible, reflecting the diversity of the workforce in pathology laboratories and particularly the introduction of biomedical scientists (BMSs) to specimen description and dissection and the increasing integration of BMSs into the diagnostic team.