Lymphatic mapping and retrieval of the sentinel lymph node in treatment ofearly breast cancer

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important step to su rgical individualization of breast cancer therapy. With lymphatic mapping a nd minimally invasive biopsy of one or two detected lymph nodes the method provides an exact evaluation of the nodal status. Using sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), costs and morbidity of an axillary lymph node dissection (A LND) can be avoided in nodal negative patients, whereas nodal positive pati ents are chosen for ALND very selectively according to the detection of an increased percentage of micrometastases. While experienced centers are intr oducing this method into clinical practice for the benefit of patients with early-stage breast cancer in Europe, further research should focus on qual ity control, definition of standards considering the individual needs of th e individual patient, and the evaluation of the impact of micrometastases. This article gives an overview of the current knowledge of SLNB and discuss es critically current indications and methods as well as application techni ques.