The SLN is defined as the first node in the lymphatic basin that drains the lesion.
- It is the node at greatest risk of the development of metastases.
- Used to identify metastatic lymph node (LN) in axilla in diagnosed breast carcinoma patients.
- “Isotope with dye” is injected at the tumor site and subsequently detected by scintigraphy in axillary LN.
- Identified LN is examined for metastasis.
Positive SLN: Full axillary dissection done to remove LNs
Negative SLN: No axillary dissection.
