Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy using Isosulfan Blue Dye and Frozen Section in Early Breast Cancer - An Indian Perspective

Dr Paul Augustine, Dr Rexeena V. Bhargavan, Dr Prabhakaran U, Dr Shafeek Shamshudeen, Dr Sindhu Nair, Dr Kurian Cherian

Abstract: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is standard of care for axillary staging in node-negative breast cancer. SLNB is done using blue dye and or radionucleotide. We aim to analyse our SLNB data using only blue dye. Retrospective analysis of prospective data of patients who underwent SLNB during study period was done. SLNB identification rate and sensitivity, specificity and false negativity rate of nodal frozen section was calculated.50 female patients underwent SLNB. Identification rate was 96 . Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of frozen section was 100 . SLNB with blue dye only with frozen section should suffice in early breast cancer.

Keywords: Sentinel lymph node, iso sulphan blue, frozen section, early breast cancer