Abstract
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) has demonstrated accuracy in the axillary
staging of breast cancer patients. Despite variability in selection criteria and technique,
an SLN is consistently identified in approximately 96% of cases and in most series
predicts the status of remaining axillary LNs in >95% of cases. The false-negative
rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was originally reported as 5%–10% (sensitivity
90%–95%), but improved rates are attainable by experienced surgeons. Radiolocalization
with lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) increases SLN identification rates. LSG is a useful
tool to establish the abnormal lymphatic drainage patterns and to detect the extra-axillary
nodes, particularly internal mammary nodes. Despite controversy regarding the optimal
injection method, studies have generally suggested high concordance between the various
radiotracer application sites and axillary SLN identification. Discordant SLN identification
would have implications for nodal staging as the true SLN might not be identified
with individual injection techniques. In the current study, imaging from consecutive
patients presenting for breast LSG over a-19 month period was retrospectively reviewed.
Radiotracer application was performed with simultaneous injection of peritumoral,
subcutaneous, and subareolar regions. This application method provided a mechanism
to assess the LSG drainage patterns with a view to assessing injection site concordance
and SLN identification rates. Data from 123 breast LSG patients were reviewed. Using
our radiotracer technique, the axillary SLN identification rate was 98%. A single
axillary node was detected in 110, two axillary nodes were detected in 10, and no
axillary node was detected in three patients. Among those 10 patients in whom two
axillary nodes were seen, at least two cases of discordant drainage occurred from
different injection sites. This study demonstrates that different LSG injection sites
can result in the identification of different axillary sentinel nodes although this
appears to be a rare event. This finding may be of clinical importance if the true
SLN is sought. In addition, the multisite injection technique appears to be an optimal
method of axillary SLN identification, with high SLN detection rates.
Keywords
Breast lymphoscintigraphy - breast surgery - neoplasm staging - sentinel lymph node
biopsy - surgical oncology