ABSTRACT

Sentinel lymph node biopsy SLNB is a standardized method with a high accuracy rate, which is currently applied in many centers at the stage of axillary lymph node involvement of early stage, clinically node-negative breast cancers. Detailed pathological examination methods are applied to obtain reliable results in terms of metastasis in SLNB. Currently there is no standard protocol for histopathological examination methods.

In this article, pathological examination methods are presented with the light of the relevant literature and about 20 years’ of our own experience. Pathological examination of the SLNB is performed during the operation and after the operation. Frequently frozen, imprint methods are applied in intraoperative examinations. For the detection of micrometastases and isolated cell metastases in postoperative examination, detailed interval sections and immunohistochemistry are applied. It is the responsibility of the experienced pathologist in every stage, from the arrival of SLNB until the outcome is reported. The pathology report should be clear, understandable, and pathologic staging of metastases should be done correctly.