Abstract
Background: Axillary metastases remain an important prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) carries significant morbidity and is unnecessary in most patients with early breast cancer; thus, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been advocated for axillary staging. We studied the SLN identification rate and its accuracy in predicting axillary metastases. Methods: One hundred nineteen women with breast carcinoma underwent SLN and ALND. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed using Technetium 99 sulfur colloid supplemented by Isosulfan blue dye. Hematoxylin/eosin-stained lymph node sections were examined by light microscopy. Results: The SLN identification rate was 81%. One SLN was negative (1%) in a patient with axillary disease. SLN histology correctly predicted the absence of axillary disease in 98.6%. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 96%, 100%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. Conclusions: Sentinel lymph node biopsy accurately predicts total axillary status and is valuable in the surgical staging of breast cancer.
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