Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a exam that checks lymph nodes for most cancers cells. Lymph nodes are section of the lymphatic process, a community of organs and vessels that help the physique battle bacterial infections and other conditions. Lymph nodes are situated throughout the system, like the underarms, neck, upper body, stomach, and groin.

Sure cancers, these as breast cancer and melanoma (the most risky variety of skin most cancers), can distribute by the lymphatic process. Cancers distribute when cells split off from the unique tumor and are carried to other elements of the system. The sentinel lymph node is the first node the place these varieties of cancers are most very likely to distribute. The node is generally positioned close to the web site of the original tumor. From time to time there is extra than 1 sentinel lymph node.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy can present how very likely it is that your most cancers is spreading (metastasizing).

Other names: lymph node biopsy, sentinel node biopsy, sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy