Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Dayton, OH
Treating cancer requires determining what stage of it a patient might be in. A sentinel lymph node biopsy performed at Miami Valley Plastic Surgeons is one way individuals in Dayton, Centerville, Troy, and Kettering, OH, can determine whether or not cancer has spread.
What Is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Your body contains a series of lymph nodes, which are part of your immune system. Many forms of cancer, including skin cancer, spread through the lymphatic system. As such, your lymph nodes can provide physicians with a great deal of information about whether your cancer has spread, and if so, how far.
The sentinel lymph node is the one to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. This means that the sentinel lymph node will vary based upon which area of the body your cancer is in.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy involves the removal of this lymph node for examination. Depending upon the results, other lymph nodes, tissues, or organs could also require removal.
Benefits of a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Successful cancer treatment requires the complete eradication of it from your body. It is often difficult to determine how or where cancer has spread, but a sentinel lymph node biopsy can give doctors the information they need to develop a full-on assault to treat your disease.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
You may be recommended for a sentinel lymph node biopsy if there is a reason to suspect your cancer was not fully eliminated through another method.
What do I Need to do Before a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is often performed at the same time your tumor is removed, in which case your preparation will be the same as for your primary surgery.
What Should I Expect on the Day of my Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
A radioactive substance (typically a blue dye) will be injected very close to your tumor. This substance then adheres to cancerous lymph nodes and is located with the help of a device that detects radioactivity and/or dye. Once the sentinel lymph node has been identified, it is removed and then sent to the laboratory for examination. In some cases, the lymph node on either side of the sentinel lymph node may also be removed as a precautionary measure.
How Long Does it Take to Perform a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
The entire procedure can take two to three hours from the time dye is inserted until the lymph node is removed.
What to Expect After a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
You may feel sore in the area where your sentinel node was removed. Many patients also feel tired and achy for about a week or so.
Will I Have Scars After Getting a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Whether or not you will have scars is not important. What is important is determining what stage of cancer you might be in so that the right treatment program can be prescribed.
When Will I Know the Results of my Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Your specimen will be reviewed by a pathologist who will issue a report of the findings a few days later. These will be submitted to your physician who should receive them within a couple of weeks. If you have not heard back from us by that time, please contact our office so that we may perform a follow-up.
How Much Does a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Cost in Dayton?
Because you may have different needs than any other patient, we will not be able to discuss the exact cost with you until after your consultation. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are always accepted for any of the procedures we offer, and many of our patients will also qualify for low-interest financing.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is one of the most effective ways to determine the severity of cancer. Here at Miami Valley Plastic Surgeons, we perform this procedure on patients in Dayton, Centerville, Kettering, Troy, and other nearby areas in Ohio, and invite you to contact us today to find out more.
