What is a lymph node biopsy and why is it performed during breast cancer diagnosis?
A lymph node biopsy is a procedure performed to check if breast cancer cells have spread beyond the breast tissue. Doctors may perform this biopsy from the chest and/or under arm area at the same time as a breast biopsy to check for cancer Show Full Answer
What is a lymph node biopsy and why is it performed during breast cancer diagnosis?
A lymph node biopsy is a procedure performed to check if breast cancer cells have spread beyond the breast tissue. Doctors may perform this biopsy from the chest and/or under arm area at the same time as a breast biopsy to check for cancer cells that may have metastasized from your breast. The most common type is called a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB). During this procedure:
• Only 1-5 lymph nodes are typically removed
• The surgeon identifies the "sentinel nodes" - the first nodes where cancer cells would likely spread
• The surgeon injects either a colored dye or radioactive substance (sometimes both) near the tumor or under the areola
• These substances help the surgeon locate and remove the sentinel nodes for testing
The number of lymph nodes removed will affect what side effects you may experience afterward.
August 31, 2025
Thank you Kathy. I was wondering why I only had 5 removed and so many other sisters had a lot more removed.
August 31, 2025
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