Sentinel lymph nodes in skin cancer | Sentinel lymph node

Sentinel lymph nodes in skin cancer

As in breast cancer, the sentinel lymph node is of great importance in malignant skin cancer. Here, too, the sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node in the respective lymph node station. If it is tumor-free, the probability of further metastases in the surrounding tissue is low. However, if tumor cells can be detected, the lymph nodes in this lymph node station should be removed (lymphadenectomy) to reduce the risk of further metastases spreading.

What is the consequence if the sentinel lymph node must be removed?

If a sentinel lymph node is affected by tumor cells and has to be removed and possibly subsequent lymph nodes, postoperative discomfort may occur. The complications vary depending on the location and extent of the removed lymph nodes. In general, postoperative bleeding and wound healing disorders may occur.

The removal of the lymph nodes can cause a so-called lymphedema. It occurs when the operation causes a congestion in the lymphatic system and the lymph can no longer be removed properly. Lymphedema is therefore an accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space and presents itself as a visible and palpable swelling. If the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed in the case of breast cancer, nerve injuries can also occur, since many nerve tracts run in this area.

Guard lymph node of the bar

Guardian lymph nodes in the groin can be crucial in cases of skin cancer, for example, where the tumor is located in the groin.There is a large collection of lymph nodes in the groin. If the sentinel lymph node is affected, it may be necessary to remove the lymph nodes there as well. They can be removed under local or general anesthesia. In other types of cancer, too, lymph nodes in the groin may contain tumor metastases and removal (lymphadenectomy) may be useful.