Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer: Report of 50 cases using combined isotope and blue dye mapping

Objective: To assess the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using combined isotope and blue dye mapping technique. Method: Prospective analysis of 50 cases of SLNB in patients with breast cancer. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the histology of sentinel lymph node (SLN) with axillary dissection specimen. Results: Sentinel lymph nodes were localized in 47 cases (94%) and correctly predicted the axillary status in all cases (100% accuracy) with no false negative result. Frozen section analysis of SLN was associated with a 33% false negative rate. Immunohistochemical staining did not improve the detection of metastasis compared with haematoxylin–eosin paraffin sections. Conclusions: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is highly accurate in staging the nodal involvement in breast cancer using the combined mapping technique. Chinese Abstract Figure Chinese Abstract.