ECR 2010 / B-307
The role of ultrasound (US) and US-guided core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes in preoperative staging of breast cancer
Authors:
M. Mellado, R. Bermejo Garcés, A. Burguete, J. Zabalza, S. Solchaga, A. M. Osa; Pamplona/ES
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2010/B-307
Purpose
Introduction
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has replaced axillary dissection for lymph node staging in patients with breast cancer. However, according some series, from 15% to 40% of SLNB have axillary metastases.
- Determination of nodel invasion is important because if nodel affectation is proved preoperatively (FNA or core needle biopsy), Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy can be avoided and the surgeon will perform an axillary programed lymphadenectomy.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) can be used to provide histopathologic analisys to the axillary lymph nodes before SLNB. Fine Needle Aspiration is more operator dependent than CNB and it needs cooperation of experienced cytologists. Ultrasound Core Needle Biopsy is a standard procedure in breast diagnosis but is not widely used for axillary lymph node staging. In our institution we have better results using axillary core needle biopsy than using fine needle aspiration.
- Axillary US CNB is an easy procedure because most sentinel lymph nodes are located at level one in the inferior axilla and it has a higher reproducibility.
Purpose
To evaluate the role of Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy of axillary lymph nodes in preoperative staging of breast cancer.