ICG Dye Sentinel LN Biopsy
What is ICG Dye Sentinel LN Biopsy?
With ICG (indocyanine green) dye sentinel lymph node biopsy, the sentinel lymph node in the breast is found and identified. The first lymph node that drains lymph fluid from the breast is called the sentinel lymph node. It is usually the first place where breast cancer cells spread, so looking at the sentinel lymph node can help figure out how far cancer has spread and help decide how to treat it.
A small amount of ICG dye is injected into the breast during an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy. The sentinel lymph node takes in the dye, making it easier to find with a special camera or another imaging device. Once the sentinel lymph node is found, it is taken out and checked to see if it has cancer cells.
Most of the time, an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy is done at the same time as a breast biopsy or surgery. It is a safe and effective way to find the sentinel lymph node and can help people with breast cancer decide how to treat themselves.
When is the ICG dye Sentinel LN Biopsy done?
Most of the time, an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy is done when there are concerns about breast cancer or other abnormal cells in the breast. It is often used with a breast biopsy or surgery, such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, to find out if the breast is cancerous.
There are a few times when a sentinel lymph node biopsy with ICG dye might be suggested, such as:
- To figure out the stage of breast cancer, if a breast biopsy shows that there is cancer, an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This information is important for figuring out how far along the cancer is and what the best treatment will be.
- To help decide how to treat a patient: if cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph node, more lymph nodes may need to be taken out (a procedure called a lymph node dissection). A sentinel lymph node biopsy with ICG dye can help doctors decide on a course of treatment by showing whether or not more lymph nodes need to be taken out.
- To check how well the treatment is working: In some cases, an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done after treatment to check how well the treatment is working and see if there are any cancer cells left.
It’s important to remember that not everyone needs an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is a test that is usually suggested when there is concern about breast cancer or other abnormal cells in the breast. Depending on your personal situation, your doctor will be able to tell you if an ICG-dye sentinel lymph node biopsy is right for you or not.
Health benefits of ICG dye Sentinel LN Biopsy
An ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy could help your health in a number of ways, such as:
- Finding out the stage of breast cancer: An ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy can help find out the stage of breast cancer by showing if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. This information is needed to figure out the best way to treat the patient.
- As a guide for treatment, if cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph node, it may be necessary to remove more lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node biopsy with ICG dye can help doctors decide on a course of treatment by showing whether or not more lymph nodes need to be taken out.
- Checking how well the treatment is working: In some cases, an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done after treatment to check how well the treatment is working and see if there are any cancer cells left.
- Getting rid of the need for more surgery: If an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy shows that the sentinel lymph node does not have any cancer cells, it may not be necessary to remove any more lymph nodes. This can help lower the chance of problems and speed up the healing process.
- It’s important to remember that not everyone needs an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is a test that is usually suggested when there is concern about breast cancer or other abnormal cells in the breast.
Your doctor will be able to talk to you about the possible risks and benefits of an ICG dye sentinel lymph node biopsy and help you make a decision about the care that is best for you.
If you would want a second opinion or if you are looking for answers online, please let us know.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Mansi Chowhan. She is a highly accomplished surgical oncologist who has more than 11 years of expertise. She also earned a gold medal during her post-graduate studies. Her areas of expertise include oncoplastic breast surgery, head and neck surgery, and reconstructive operations.
