SLNB
Also written as: SLNB — Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel lymph node biopsy. A staging procedure that identifies the first lymph node(s) to receive drainage from a primary tumor.
Full Definition
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to determine if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. In endocrine surgery, it is occasionally used in thyroid cancer staging and more commonly in adrenal cortical carcinoma evaluation. The procedure involves injecting a radioactive tracer and/or blue dye near the tumor site, then identifying and removing the first lymph node(s) that receive drainage. If the sentinel lymph nodes are negative for cancer, it suggests that other regional lymph nodes are also likely to be cancer-free.
Usage
Usage note: Context determines whether SLN refers to superior laryngeal nerve or sentinel lymph node.
In Context
- "SLNB was performed using technetium-99m sulfur colloid for staging of the thyroid carcinoma." — Operative report
- "The patient underwent SLNB which revealed no metastatic disease in the sentinel nodes." — Pathology report