Precise Staging,
Minimally Invasive Care
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy at Athenaa

What is
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy 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 harbor cancer (known as sentinel nodes), this technique allows for accurate staging without the risks of full axillary dissection.

At Apollo Athenaa, sentinel lymph node biopsy is routinely performed using advanced imaging and detection tools, including a hand-held gamma probe/indocyanine green detection device. This technology ensures precise identification of sentinel nodes, reducing unnecessary removal of lymph nodes and preserving quality of life.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully planned and performed by experienced breast surgeons with a focus on safety, precision, and recovery.

The surgery is done under general anesthesia, typically alongside breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
A dual tracer method-radioisotope Technetium99 + blue dye or ICG + blue dye is injected into the breast near the tumor site, which is used to identify the sentinel lymph nodes. The isotope is injected into the skin surrounding the nipple on the morning of surgery, whereas ICG and blue dye are injected into the theatre.
The tracer travels to the sentinel node(s) via lymphatic channels.
A hand-held gamma probe is used intraoperatively to detect the “hot” nodes or an infrared camera to pick up fluorescent nodes, allowing the surgeon to locate and remove only the true or affected sentinel nodes.
The nodes are sent for a frozen section examination to evaluate the presence of metastasis in the lymph node. If no metastasis is found, further axillary surgery is usually unnecessary.
The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes and is almost always done in the same session as primary breast surgery.

Recovery

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through structured post-operative care
counselling, and rehabilitation support

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

Lymphedema Management

The team will also coordinate efforts with the physiotherapy and rehabilitation teams to reduce the risk of lymphedema post-surgery.

Key
Advantages

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach, ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Minimally Invasive

Less extensive surgery with faster recovery and fewer complications compared to axillary dissection.

Targeted Precision

Accurate identification and removal of sentinel nodes using gamma probe or ICG camera guidance.

Lower Morbidity

Reduced risk of lymphedema, nerve injury, and shoulder dysfunction.

Accurate Staging

Provides precise staging to guide further treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage, ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional and empowering. Post-surgery, each woman is supported through.

Intraoperative precision using gamma probe/ICG technology for confident node detection

Pathology reporting, with frozen section, available within 30 minutes during surgery

Lymphedema surveillance and management, including education, garments, and early intervention

Follow-up support, including wound care and functional recovery, and emotional counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

01

It is a minimally invasive procedure used to check whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The “sentinel” lymph nodes are the first nodes that drain the breast and are the most likely to be affected.

Why is a sentinel lymph node biopsy done?

02

It helps accurately stage the cancer and determine whether further lymph node surgery or additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are needed.

How is the sentinel lymph node identified?

03

A special dye and/or a radioactive tracer is injected before or during surgery. Surgeons use a hand-held gamma probe or ICG camera to precisely locate and remove only the sentinel nodes.

Is sentinel lymph node biopsy safer than axillary dissection?

04

Yes. It involves removing fewer lymph nodes, leading to a lower risk of complications such as lymphedema, nerve injury, and shoulder stiffness.

What is recovery like after the procedure?

05

It is usually a day-care procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days.

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Precise Staging, Minimally Invasive Care Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy at Athenaa

Precise Staging,
Minimally Invasive Care
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy at Athenaa