The contribution of Sentinel Lymph Node imaging in oncology

1136Objectives: 1.To overview the current status of the identification of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLN), 2. To demonstrate the role of different scintigraphic techniques in SLN mapping, 3. To present the value of lymphoscintigraphy in malignancies, where its use is still limited. Abstract Body: Lymph node staging is essential for the prognosis and treatment in oncologic patients. SLN is the first draining lymph node on the direct lymphatic pathway from the primary tumor site and so it is the first node to harbour cancer cells detached from the primary tumor. SLN biopsy is a procedure in which the SLN is identified, removed and examined to determine whether cancer cells are present. SLN mapping enables the surgeons to perform a minimal invasive biopsy of the SLN avoiding the complete resection of all lymph nodes. Regional lymph node status is a major prognostic factor in breast cancer and melanoma and SLN mapping is a routine technique in these malignancies. For SLN imaging, in addition to numerous available dyes (e.g., isosulfan blue, methylene blue, and indocyanine green), lymphoscintigraphy is used to identify the lymph drainage basin, determine the number of SLNs, differentiate SLN from subsequent nodes, locate possible SLN in an unexpected location and mark the SLN over the skin. A variety of scintigraphic techniques can be used to perform SLN mapping, i.e. planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT, while several radiopharmaceuticals are used, mainly in breast cancer and melanoma. Further...
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine - Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Tags: Educational Exhibit Posters Source Type: research