Lymph Node Surgery
Sevenoaks
Clinics in East Grinstead, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Caterham, Orpington and Oxted
We can now provide lymph node surgery at our new clinic in Sevenoaks.
Lymph Node Surgery
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an important diagnostic procedure used to assess whether melanoma—an aggressive form of skin cancer—has spread beyond the initial tumour site.
The “sentinel” lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread through the lymphatic system. By analysing this node, specialists can determine if melanoma has begun to metastasise, which is essential for accurate staging and guiding treatment decisions. SLNB is typically recommended for patients whose melanomas are of a certain thickness or exhibit high-risk features.
When is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Recommended?
1. Tumor Thickness
Melanomas measuring 0.8 mm or greater are considered at higher risk for spreading and often qualify for a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).
2. Ulceration
Ulcerated melanomas, characterised by a broken or bleeding surface, are generally more aggressive in nature.
3. Rapid Cell Growth
Melanomas with a high mitotic rate, indicating rapid cell division, are more likely to spread to the lymphatic system.
4. Location and Appearance
Melanomas located in certain areas of the body or those with asymmetrical or irregular borders may carry a higher risk of metastasis.
When these risk factors are present, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can offer vital insight into the stage of the melanoma and help determine the most suitable treatment approach.
How Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Works
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is carried out after a melanoma diagnosis to determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Below is a general overview of how the procedure is performed:
1. Tracer Injection:
A radioactive tracer and/or blue dye is injected near the site of the melanoma. These substances travel through the lymphatic system to the sentinel lymph node(s), enabling the surgeon to locate them either visually or using a device that detects radioactivity.
2. Locating the Sentinel Node(s)
The tracer or dye helps guide the surgeon to the sentinel lymph node(s) closest to the primary tumour.
3. Node Removal and Testing
Melanomas with a high mitotic rate, indicating rapid cell division, have a greater chance of spreading to the lymphatic system.
Next Steps After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
The treatment plan after a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) depends on whether melanoma cells are found in the sentinel node:
Negative Result (No Cancer Found): If no cancer cells are detected in the sentinel lymph node, it is unlikely that the melanoma has spread. In this case, further lymph node surgery is usually not needed, but regular follow-ups and skin checks are recommended to monitor for any new signs of melanoma.
Positive Result (Cancer Found): If melanoma cells are present in the sentinel lymph node, this indicates that the cancer has spread. Treatment options may include:
Complete Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of additional lymph nodes in the affected area to help control the spread.
Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy: These treatments aim to fight melanoma cells throughout the body and boost the immune system’s response to cancer.
Results from the SLNB guide a personalised treatment plan, tailored to the melanoma’s stage, the patient’s overall health, and the tumour’s specific characteristics.
Why SLNB is Important in Melanoma Treatment
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is essential for evaluating the spread of melanoma, guiding treatment choices, and helping specialists develop personalised care plans. By enabling early detection and tailored treatment, SLNB significantly improves the chances of successful outcomes for melanoma patients.
At The Ü Clinic, our specialists are dedicated to providing expert care, including advanced diagnostic procedures like SLNB, to ensure every patient receives the most effective treatment for their condition.
A a Glance
18+
Procedure Time
18+
Treatments Required
18+
Discomfort
Minimal
Downtime
Few hours
Results Appear
Few days
What Our Experts Say
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Dr. Radka Toms
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