[The sentinal node: the Dijon experience].
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer and its capacity to predict axillary node status.


METHODS
Between February 2000 and June 2001, 70 patients with invasive breast carcinomas referred to the cancer center of Dijon, underwent lymphatic mapping (patent blue dye and lymphoscintigraphy with a gamma probe) and sentinel node biopsy followed by axillary clearance (Berg's level 1 and 2).


RESULTS
A sentinel node was identified in 94.26% of the patients. We noted 2 false negative sentinel lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node was involved in 32.8% of the patients and was the only node involved in 14.2% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the feasibility of sentinal node mapping, emphasizing the advantage of using two methods (patent blue dye and gamma probe). A learning curve is required. This procedure is not adapted for tumors larger than 3 cm because of a greater risk of sentinel node involvement and the need for a complete procedure with an axillary clearance.
Hoyek
T
T
Centre régional de lutte contre le cancer Georges-François Leclerc, 1, rue du Professeur-Marion, 21000 Dijon, France. tefi@infonie.fr
Benoit
L
L
Fraisse
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D015902:Gamma Cameras; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012211:Rhenium; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013667:Technetium
D004396:Coloring Agents; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D012211:Rhenium; D013667:Technetium; C008769:sulfan blue