Her Fight is Our Mission

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. By identifying and removing only the first few nodes likely to harbour cancer (known as sentinel nodes), this technique allows for accurate staging without the risks of full axillary dissection.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, SLNB is routinely performed using advanced imaging and detection tools, including a hand-held gamma probe. This technology ensures precise identification of sentinel nodes, reducing unnecessary removal and preserving quality of life.

How the Procedure Is Performed

• The surgery is done under general anaesthesia, typically alongside breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
• Either a tracer substance is injected into the breast near the tumour site, which is detected by a gamma probe, or a blue dye is injected for visual confirmation.
• The tracer travels to the sentinel node(s) via lymphatic channels.
• A hand-held gamma probe is used intraoperatively to detect the “hot” nodes, allowing the surgeon to locate and remove only the true or affected  sentinel nodes.
• The nodes are sent for pathological examination to assess cancer spread. If no cancer is found, further axillary surgery is usually unnecessary.
• The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes and is often done in the same session as the primary breast surgery.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: Most patients are discharged the same day.
• Pain management: Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising may occur at the underarm incision. Pain is easily managed with oral medications.
• Resuming routine: You can typically return to normal activities within a few days; complete recovery takes about 1 week. There is minimal impact on arm movement or shoulder function.

Key Advantages

• Minimally invasive approach with faster recovery and fewer complications than axillary dissection.
• Highly precise identification of sentinel nodes using the hand-held gamma probe, ensuring targeted removal.
• Reduced risk of lymphedema, nerve damage, and shoulder dysfunction.
• Same-day procedure with low post-operative downtime.
• Accurate staging, guiding the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Continuum of Care

SLNB at Apollo Athenaa is seamlessly integrated into a larger personalised treatment pathway. Our care includes:

• Pre-surgical planning through multidisciplinary tumour boards
• Intraoperative precision using gamma probe technology for confident node detection
• Pathology reporting, often available within 5–7 days
• Tailored adjuvant therapy decisions based on nodal involvement
• Follow-up support, including wound care and functional recovery
• Emotional and informational counselling, helping patients navigate next steps with clarity

At Apollo Athenaa, we bring together cutting-edge tools like the hand-held gamma probe and expert surgical judgement to offer women safe, accurate, and life-preserving cancer care.