Sentinel lymph node biopsy has not gained popularity in the Philippines, perhaps the reason being the unavailability of resources. The use of methylene blue may change this situation.
OBJECTIVE: The authors intend to demonstrate that methylene blue may be used as an alternative dye in sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer with satisfactory results.
METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with breast cancer underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy after injection with methylene blue dye, followed by complete axillary dissection. Histologic evaluation of the nodes was done using H&E stain.
RESULTS: The identification rate was 95%, with no false negatives.
CONCLUSION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue can be done with satisfactory results.
Human
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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
;
Methylene Blue
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Philippines
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Lymph Node Excision
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Breast Neoplasms
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Coloring Agents