Factors affecting the number of sentinel lymph nodes removed in patients having surgery for breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The goal of sentinel lymph node biopsy is to establish the presence or absence of cancer cells in regional axillary nodes. The number of sentinel nodes harvested from each patient varies. The aim of this study was to determine what factors influence the number of sentinel nodes excised at sentinel node biopsy.

Methods

Data from 426 patients with breast cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy at the Edinburgh Breast Unit by 10 different experienced breast surgeons were included in this analysis. Univariate and multivariable statistical analysis was performed.

Results

In the multivariate analysis the number of sentinel nodes biopsied varied significantly between operating surgeon (p < 0.0001) and was also statistically associated with the use of neoadjuv

SUBMITTER: Dixon JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7599142 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature