Application of sentinel lymph node biopsy in esophageal cancer

Abstract

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as the lymph node(s) first receiving lymphatic drainage from the site of primary tumor. The application of SLN navigation surgery has been widely confirmed in both melanoma and breast cancer. In recent years, the concept of SLN has gained high attention in gastrointestinal tumors. However, the validity and feasibility of the SLN concept remains controversial for esophageal cancer due to its special anatomical sites and lymphatic drainage pathways. Lymph node micrometastasis is an important prognostic factor in esophageal cancer patients without lymph node metastasis. Detection of micrometastases in SLN of esophageal cancer plays an important role in determining the treatment options. In this article, we make a brief discussion on the application of SLN biopsy in esophageal surgery and explain its clinical significance.