Gamma Probe and Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the Sentinel Node Trial

Sentinel node biopsy detects clinically occult metastases of breast cancer and melanoma in 20-30%. The remaining 70-80% of patients remain negative, but nonetheless are exposed to potential morbidity in up to 10%, consisting of wound infections, seroma and even lymph edema.
Ultrasound imaging to detect metastases in the sentinel node is not accurate enough to replace surgical removal of the sentinel node. Additional use of the standard peroperatively used gamma probe has been reported to improve the identification rate of the sentinel node, enabling the possibility to accurately perform FNAC.
This study aims to provide a minimally invasive alternative for surgical sentinel node biopsy, combining use of a gamma probe and ultrasound for FNAC of the sentinel node in melanoma and breast cancer patients.

Gamma probe and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the sentinel node (SN) is an accurate and sensitive minimally invasive alternative to the gold standard of surgical resection of the sentinel node in melanoma and breast cancer patients.

Estimated inclusion: 2 years.

All: preoperative gamma probe and ulstrasound guided FNAC of the sentinel node (SN).

First 10 Breast cancer patients: additional core needle biopsy of SN

First 10 patients (excluding first 10 breast cancer patients): additional marker placement in SN