Can interpectoral nodes be sentinel nodes?

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine if interpectoral nodes cou ld be sentinel nodes for some breast cancers. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing axillary node dissection had a dissection of the interpectoral nodes. These were se nt to pathology as a separate specimen. RESULTS: Three patients were identified with isolated interpectoral nodal m etastasis. CONCLUSION: In upper quadrants or deep breast cancers the interpectoral nod es may be the earliest site of nodal metastasis. This may lead to false neg ative results in some sentinel node biopsies. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.