[Extemporaneous examination of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer: is the glass half full or half empty?]

Tumori. 2003 Jul-Aug;89(4 Suppl):192-3.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Intra-operative examination of sentinel LN is controversial. Concordance with definitive exam of SLN in this series was 81%, though only 54% of positive cases were diagnosed. Micrometastases and ITC were usually lost intraoperatively, accounting for 14% of cases. Frozen section and touch prep of the SLN were approximately equivalent. The latter has the advantage of preserving tissue for step-analysis of SLN. The ultimate method of intraoperative analysis of SLN which can combine cost-effectiveness and accuracy needs to be determined.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Frozen Sections
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intraoperative Care*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnosis*
  • Mastectomy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy*