DefinePK

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo determine the frequency of sentinel lymph node identification using scintigraphy in breast cancer patients with clinically non-palpable axillary lymph nodes.STUDY DESIGNThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study.PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDYThe study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from 25-11-2011 to 28-12-2012 for a total duration of 13 months.PATIENTS& METHODS: Hundred and forty nine (149)  newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer having clinically non-palpable axillary lymph nodes, referred for sentinel node scintigraphy were included in the study. These patients underwent sentinel lymph node mapping one day before surgery.RESULTS: Sentinel lymph node was identified in 139 patients (93.3%) and could not be identified in 10 patients (6.7%). All female patients in this study had a mean age of 54.2 years (range 23 to 80 years). Family history was positive for breast cancer in 67 (45%) patients and negative in 82(55%) patients. Duration of disease ranged from 04 to 30 days. No significant effect of age, family history or disease duration was seen on the identification of sentinel lymph node. CONCLUSION:Substantially good identification of the sentinel lymph nodes was seen in the breast cancer patients with clinically non-palpable axillary lymph nodes.No significant effect of age, family history or disease duration was seen on sentinel lymph node identification.KEYWORDSBreast cancer, scintigraphy, axillary lymph nodes, sentinel node biopsy.