Pre- and intra-operative imaging techniques for sentinel node localization in breast cancer. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vidal-Sicart, Sergi; Giammarile, Francesco; Mariani, Giuliano; Valdés Olmos, Renato A
• Is Part Of: Imaging in medicine. Volume 5:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: fluorescence -- lymphoscintigraphy -- portable γ camera -- radioguided surgery -- SPECT/CT -- ultrasonography; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; 616.075405
• DOI: 10.2217/iim.13.31
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-5205

Abstract

Despite the fact that sentinel lymph node biopsy has been accepted worldwide as a highly accurate staging method for solid cancers, some potential intraoperative drawbacks and controversial issues still remain. This article provides an update on innovations for sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy. Advances in computer technology and data processing make it possible to integrate anatomic and functional images together with 3D rendering systems. This facilitates the lymph node peri-intraoperative localization, especially of the deep-seated ones. Furthermore, it provides an update on advances in the integration of hybrid imaging technologies for the surgical management of patients. Moreover, this review includes the experience on the use of small-field scintigraphic imaging devices to be employed in the surgical room. Evidence is emerging that these devices may improve intraoperative identification of sentinel nodes. Other potential tools, such as radioguided occult lesion localization and radioactive seed localization for breast lesions excision, as well as PET probes and ultrasound, are briefly discussed.