Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) is beneficial for reducing axillary functional impairment and lymphedema due to extended lymph node dissection. We used the Indigo Carmine dye instead of radioisotope, since it can simplify the complicated multistep identifying procedures and has economic benefit because it requires no radioisotope detection equipment. The operation for small breast cancer is continuously changing from a modified radical mastectomy to various type of breast conserving operations. Among these we performed a partial mastectomy with rotation flap using remnant breast tissue (RFB). This method needs small operation field, so we could reduce trauma to the patient, shorten the operation time, and use natural blood supplies and tissues without destructing other organ structures. The cosmetic effect is desirable to Korean women considering their relatively small breast size as to that of western people. In SNB, 5cc indigocarmine was injected intradermally just around main lesion. Sentinel node was able to be identified easily if a proper dose was used. Its approach was achieved in 15 to 20 minutes. Partial mastectomy (quadrantectomy) was done with cancer free margins. Rotation flap which is covering the defect included as much breast tissue as possible sparing the nipple areolar complex. Sentinel node biopsy and rotation flap brought out both satisfactory cosmetic result and cost effective outcome, so this breast conserving method is recommendable to small breast cancers.
Biopsy ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Equipment and Supplies ; Female ; Humans ; Indigo Carmine ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymphedema ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Nipples