Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2010;65(2):67-69

A case series using methylene blue for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer at St. Luke's Medical Center.

Nolasco Jonathan C. ; Pagdanganan Ma. CECILIA

Keywords

Lymph Node Biopsy; Sentinel; Breast Cancer; Sentinel Lymph Node; Methylene Blue

Country

Philippines

Language

English

Abstract

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.