Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a take a look at that checks lymph nodes for most cancers cells. Lymph nodes are portion of the lymphatic process, a community of organs and vessels that enable the overall body fight infections and other ailments. Lymph nodes are located through the overall body, like the underarms, neck, chest, stomach, and groin.

Sure cancers, such as breast most cancers and melanoma (the most dangerous type of pores and skin most cancers), can distribute by the lymphatic process. Cancers distribute when cells split off from the initial tumor and are carried to other areas of the overall body. The sentinel lymph node is the very first node where these types of cancers are most possible to distribute. The node is ordinarily located near the internet site of the initial tumor. In some cases there is much more than one sentinel lymph node.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy can clearly show how possible it is that your most cancers is spreading (metastasizing).

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