SLNB
Also written as: SLNB — sentinel lymph node biopsy
Abbreviation for sentinel lymph node biopsy, a surgical staging procedure.
Full Definition
SLNB stands for sentinel lymph node biopsy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine lymph node involvement in breast cancer. The technique involves identifying and removing the first lymph node(s) that receive drainage from the primary tumor site. A radiotracer and/or blue dye is injected to map the lymphatic drainage pattern. If the sentinel nodes are negative for cancer, it typically indicates that the remaining axillary lymph nodes are also uninvolved, avoiding the need for more extensive axillary lymph node dissection.
Usage
Usage note: Always write out full form on first use in documents for general audiences.
In Context
- "SLNB was performed with successful identification of two sentinel nodes." — operative note
- "Negative SLNB results eliminated the need for complete axillary dissection." — pathology summary