Why are sentinel lymph nodes biopsied when cancer is diagnosed?

Why are sentinel lymph nodes biopsied when cancer is diagnosed?

• A. To treat infection
• B. To determine whether cancer has spread through the lymphatic system
• C. To measure blood flow to tumor
• D. To remove cosmetic tissue

Answer: (B)

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to see if cancer has started to spread through the lymphatic system. The sentinel node is the first lymph node that drains the tumor area, so testing it shows whether cancer cells have begun regional spread. If the sentinel node is clear, it's unlikely that other nodes are involved, which can spare the patient a more extensive dissection and reduce complications. If cancer is found in the sentinel node, it guides staging and treatment planning, possibly leading to more evaluation or systemic therapy. This approach isn’t about treating infection, measuring blood flow, or removing cosmetic tissue.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to see if cancer has started to spread through the lymphatic system. The sentinel node is the first lymph node that drains the tumor area, so testing it shows whether cancer cells have begun regional spread. If the sentinel node is clear, it's unlikely that other nodes are involved, which can spare the patient a more extensive dissection and reduce complications. If cancer is found in the sentinel node, it guides staging and treatment planning, possibly leading to more evaluation or systemic therapy. This approach isn’t about treating infection, measuring blood flow, or removing cosmetic tissue.