Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Karnataka
Compare hospitals and surgeons offering Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Karnataka. Estimated cost: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000.
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What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
Removal and examination of the sentinel lymph node to determine cancer spread without full dissection
1-2 hours
0-1 days
1-2 weeks
₹30,000 – ₹80,000
General
96%
Why Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Is Needed
This procedure is performed to check whether cancer — most commonly breast cancer or melanoma — has begun spreading to the lymphatic system, without needing to remove all the lymph nodes in that region. It's typically done at the same time as removal of the primary tumor once imaging or clinical exam raises concern about nodal spread.
Signs You May Need Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
There typically aren't specific symptoms from the sentinel node itself; the decision to biopsy is driven by a confirmed cancer diagnosis, such as a breast lump or melanoma lesion, where staging the disease's spread is needed to plan further treatment.
Types of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
The standard technique uses a radioactive tracer and/or blue dye injected near the tumor to identify and remove the first (sentinel) node or nodes draining that area; newer fluorescence-guided mapping techniques are also used in some centers for the same purpose.
Hospitals offering Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (2)
Narayana Health
Super Specialty
Manipal Hospitals
Multi-Specialty
Surgeons offering Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (0)
No surgeons listed yet for this surgery in Karnataka.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a positive sentinel node always mean the cancer has spread everywhere?
No, a positive sentinel node means further staging or additional lymph node removal may be needed, but it doesn't automatically mean widespread cancer — your oncologist will interpret it in the full clinical picture.
Is this a major surgery?
It's much less invasive than full lymph node dissection, usually done as a day procedure or with an overnight stay, with a much lower risk of long-term arm swelling (lymphedema).
Will I need more surgery if the node is positive?
This depends on the type and extent of cancer — some patients need additional lymph node removal, while others proceed straight to other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
How accurate is this test?
Sentinel node biopsy has a high accuracy rate for detecting nodal spread when performed by an experienced surgical oncology team.
What's the recovery time?
Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks, with mild soreness and swelling at the injection and incision sites.