Assessment of the axilla in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing primary surgery: a review.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- James J; Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia. justin.james@monash.edu.; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. justin.james@monash.edu.; Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Maroondah Hospital, Davey Drive, Ringwood East, Melbourne, VIC, 3135, Australia. justin.james@monash.edu.; Law M; Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia.; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.; Sengupta S; Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia.; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.; Saunders C; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Source
- Publisher: BioMed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101170544 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1477-7819 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14777819 NLM ISO Abbreviation: World J Surg Oncol Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is routinely performed in people with node-negative early breast cancer to assess the axilla. SNB has no proven therapeutic benefit. Nodal status information obtained from SNB helps in prognostication and can influence adjuvant systemic and locoregional treatment choices. However, the redundancy of the nodal status information is becoming increasingly apparent. The accuracy of radiological assessment of the axilla, combined with the strong influence of tumour biology on systemic and locoregional therapy requirements, has prompted many to consider alternative options for SNB. SNB contributes significantly to decreased quality of life in early breast cancer patients. Substantial improvements in workflow and cost could accrue by removing SNB from early breast cancer treatment. We review the current viewpoints and ideas for alternative options for assessing and managing a clinically negative axilla in patients with early breast cancer (EBC). Omitting SNB in selected cases or replacing SNB with a non-invasive predictive model appear to be viable options based on current literature.
(© 2024. Crown.)