biopsy, sentinel-lymph-node

biopsy, sentinel-lymph-node Examination of the first lymph node that receives lymphatic drainage from a tumor to learn whether that node has tumor cells in it. The sentinel node’s identity is determined by injecting around the tumor a tracer substance that travels through the lymphatic system to the first draining node, thereby identifying it. If the sentinel node contains tumor cells, removal of more nodes in the area may be warranted. If the sentinel node is normal, extensive dissection of the regional lymphnode basin is generally not required. See also biopsy.