Sentinel lymph node biopsy Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical
staging procedure used to determine the likelihood of spread of
a cancer such as melanoma into the lymphatic system. What is the
lymphatic system? In the body there are two main networks of
vessels that carry fluid: blood vessels and lymph vessels (the
lymphatic system). Lymph vessels transport milky fluid called
lymph, which drains through lymph nodes. Lymph nodes entrap
foreign or potentially harmful substances, such as bacteria and
cancer cells. Groups of lymph nodes are easily felt around the
neck when they become enlarged and sore during a cold or ‘flu.
Other main groups of nodes are located in the groin (draining
the leg), armpits (draining the arm), deep in the chest and
abdomen. What is the role of the lymphatic system in cancer?
Cancer can spread through the body (metastasise) by three common
routes: - Direct invasion of surrounding tissue - Via the blood
vessels - Via the lymph vessels. Different cancers tend to
spread preferentially by o