Blue dye is used in breast surgery primarily to identify specific lymph nodes called sentinel nodes.
The Role of Blue Dye in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
During certain breast cancer surgeries, determining if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (axilla) is crucial for staging the disease and planning further treatment. The sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure used for this purpose.
How the Blue Dye Works:
- A blue dye (often isosulfan blue or methylene blue) is injected into the area around the breast tumor or nipple.
- This dye travels through the lymphatic channels, which are like small pathways, to the first lymph node or group of nodes that would likely receive drainage from the tumor site. These are the sentinel nodes.
- According to the reference, "If the blue dye is used, it stains the sentinel nodes bright blue so the surgeon can see them."
This visual identification is vital for the surgeon. By following the blue path or locating the stained nodes, they can pinpoint the exact nodes most likely to contain cancer cells if the disease has spread.
What Happens After Identification?
Once the sentinel nodes are stained and visible:
- The surgeon then removes the sentinel nodes.
- Typically, there are a few sentinel nodes, and all are removed.
- The sentinel nodes are sent to a lab where they are examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Identifying and analyzing these specific nodes allows doctors to determine if cancer has begun to spread without needing to remove all the lymph nodes in the armpit, which can reduce potential side effects like lymphedema.
In summary, blue dye serves as a critical tool in sentinel lymph node biopsy during breast surgery, providing a visual marker that guides the surgeon to the most relevant lymph nodes for examination.
