The aim of the study was to evaluate in our institute the technique of sent
inel node (SN) identification and biopsy in the surgical treatment of early
breast cancer. Between June 1998 and November 1999 54 patients (age range,
31-75 years) where studied. Inclusion criteria were age less than 75 years
, indication for conservative surgery, absence of palpable axillary nodes K
arnofksy index >70, Lymphoscintigraphy was performed 16-18 hours prior to s
urgery, following injection of 0.1-0.2 mt of Tc-99m-Nanocoll: the administe
red activity was 3-4 MBq in group A (44 pts) and 7-8 MBq in group B (10 pts
), The colloids were administered by transdermal supralesional injection in
49 patients with palpable nodules and by intraparenchymal ultrasound-guide
d injection in five patients with non-palpable nodules, Planar projections
were performed starting from the 5th until the 80th min (or 180th in the ev
ent of late migration). In 10 patients further projections were acquired 14
-18 h following tracer administration. All nodes identified by gamma probe
(MR 100 Pol.Hi.Tech) were histologically evaluated by immunohistochemistry
and standard histology, Scintigraphic visualization of the SN was obtained
in 49 patients: in 38 of these patients there was only one SN while in 11 p
atients there were two or three SNs, The delayed scan made in 10 patients d
id not show any further nodes. In all patients given US-guided perilesional
Injections migration was late (after at least 60 min). Our study confirms
the validity of the scintigraphic procedure, its safety for patients and he
alth care workers, and the feasibility of interdisciplinary collaboration.