What is sentinel node localisation?

The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node that breast cancer can spread to. This is usually in the armpit. To isolate the sentinel lymph node nuclear medicine uses a small amount of radioactivity mixed with a medicine. This can be done 1 day before your operation or on the day of your operation.

Do I need to have this injection?

This will help the surgeon to find the sentinel lymph node. It can be then be removed and examined under a microscope. This will show if it has been affected by the cancer cells.

Is it safe?

The amount of radioactivity used is less than what is used for nuclear medicine scans. It is very rare to have any side effects.

This product contains a protein derived from human albumin. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the team.

How do I prepare?

There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this.

If you are having this the same day as your operation please follow the instructions in your admission letter.

What will happen?
  • You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.
  • A nurse/technologist will explain the procedure and confirm a few details. You will be able to get your queries answered beforehand.
  • You will then be asked to lie down on a bed.
  • Using a small needle, a tiny amount of liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected under the skin. It will be next to the nipple of the affected breast. It might sting a little bit but it will be over very quickly.
  • 1 minute gentle massage over the region will be needed after the injection.  This will give the radioactive drug a little push. You will be able to do this yourself, if you prefer to.
  • When the injection is done a dressing will be applied and you will be free to get dressed.
  • A document will be given to you to show to your surgeon that you have had this injection successfully.

It is IMPORTANT to note that during the surgery, a non-radioactive “Blue Dye” might be injected into the breast.  It will be absorbed by the sentinel node. This is often done as well as the radioactive injection to improve the accuracy of the sentinel node localisation.

What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, then please contact the department on the following numbers. Your injection will need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding:

Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701

West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456

Travelling Abroad

It is safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are going to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan take something with you to show that you have recently had this done. This could be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302