The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node in a chain or cluster of lymph nodes to which cancer cells are most likely to spread.
To perform the excision, that is, the surgical removal of the tumor, a radioactive dye or tracer is injected near the tumor, in the cervix. This dye or tracer will migrate to the sentinel lymph nodes, allowing the surgeon to identify and remove them for analysis.
If these lymph nodes do not contain cancer cells, it is unlikely that other lymph nodes are affected, thus avoiding major surgery to remove all the lymph nodes.
This technique reduces the risk of complications associated with more extensive surgery and results in fewer side effects for the patient. It is most often performed laparoscopically, with or without robotic assistance. Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps physicians tailor treatments based on the results, providing a personalized approach for each patient.
