Use of PCR analysis

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is becoming standard surgical practice in the treatment of some breast cancers.  Assessment of this lymph node helps determine if spread of the cancer has occurred and if further axillary surgery is required.  Recent media attention has been given to the molecular (PCR) analysis of sentinel lymph nodes intra-operatively.  While this new technology looks promising, it like other methods of sentinel lymph node evaluation (eg pre-operative ultrasound), require further evaluation before they become standard practice.  Histopathological assessment remains, at present, the gold standard with regard to the assessment of Sentinel Lymph Node status.

11/11/09

Dr DM Parham
Consultant Pathologist