For breast cancer

In breast cancer, the examination of the sentinel lymph node plays an important role. Since breast cancer often forms metastases in the surrounding lymphatic system, infestation of the sentinel lymph node is a good way of assessing the extent of its spread. Most of the lymph drainage area of the breast is located in the armpit.

This is also where the corresponding lymph nodes are located. The sentinel lymph node is located just before the large accumulation of axillary lymph nodes. It can be removed surgically and examined for tumor infestation: in the case of a tumor-free sentinel lymph node, there is a low probability that the tumor has formed metastases via the lymphatic pathway up to this point.

Nevertheless, it is also possible in the case of breast cancer that, despite the lack of tumor cells in the sentinel lymph node, subsequent lymph nodes may be affected. This is known as a “metastasis jump”. If tumor cells are found in the sentinel lymph node, the subsequent lymph nodes in the armpit should be removed surgically.

The radical removal of lymph nodes can prevent the further spread of the tumor via the lymphatic path. However, this procedure can lead to complications such as nerve injury. In addition, lymphedema can develop due to a disruption in the lymphatic outflow.

Nevertheless, it is also possible in breast cancer that, despite the lack of evidence of tumor cells in the sentinel lymph node, subsequent lymph nodes are affected. This is known as “metastatic leaps”. If tumor cells are found in the sentinel lymph node, the subsequent lymph nodes in the armpit should be removed surgically.

The prognosis generally depends on the extent of the primary tumor and its complete removal. Tumour cell metastases in lymph nodes somewhat worsen the prognosis of cancer, as there is a high probability that the tumour will spread simultaneously via the bloodstream. If the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer is affected by tumor cells, the prognosis depends on how many of the subsequent lymph nodes are affected.

Since the tumor spreads via the sentinel lymph node into the subsequent lymphatic system and the lymph nodes contained therein, a prognosis cannot be made automatically. In the case of breast cancer, the tumor mainly spreads into the lymph nodes of the armpit. If the sentinel lymph node is affected, these lymph nodes should be surgically removed. After such removal, the removed lymph nodes should be examined for tumor cells. After the examination, the decision on the appropriate therapy as well as a more precise prognosis of the disease should be better assessable.