Utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for thyroid cancer: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive lymphatic mapping technique, used to identify lymph node micrometastases and stage multiple cancer types. Despite the performance of SLNB for thyroid cancer having been under study since 1998, its role has remained controversial. The objective of this review is to summarize current research reporting on SLNB for thyroid cancer, focusing on recent studies of its application to differentiated thyroid cancer. The technique and potential benefits of SLNB are reviewed with regards to its ability to identify lymph node metastases, aid in cancer prognostication, and direct surgical and medical treatment.

Sentinel lymph node mapping: current applications and future perspectives in thyroid carcinoma

“…The SLN is the first lymph node(s) receiving lymphatic drainage from a specific primary cancer, it is the first node (s) involved with metastases and it reflects the metastatic status of the others draining nodes ( 86 ). The SLN procedure is a surgical lymphatic mapping method for identifying node metastases in preoperative No carcinoma.…”

“…Recently, nanotechnology has developed, and nanocarbons (CN) have been largely used as a LN tracer in malignancies. In the CN suspension, the nanosized carbon particles have an average diameter of 150 nm: the CN particles are peritumorally injected and rapidly undergo phagocytosis by macrophages, subsequently enter the lymphatics and accumulate in the LNs staining them black ( 86 ). This procedure has been applied in the detection of SLNs in breast and gastric cancers.…”