sentinelimusolmukkeiden

sentinelimusolmukkeiden, a Finnish term, translates to "sentinel lymph nodes" in English. In the context of medicine, sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes in a region that a tumor drains into. These nodes are crucial in cancer staging, particularly for melanoma and breast cancer, as they are the most likely site for cancer cells to spread if the tumor has metastasized.

The concept of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is based on this understanding. During an SLNB procedure, a surgeon identifies and removes these sentinel lymph nodes. These removed nodes are then examined by a pathologist for the presence of cancer cells. If the sentinel lymph nodes are cancer-free, it is highly probable that the cancer has not spread to other lymph nodes or distant parts of the body. This allows for less invasive treatment, often avoiding the need for a more extensive lymph node dissection, which can have significant side effects.

The identification of sentinel lymph nodes typically involves injecting a radioactive tracer and/or a blue dye near the tumor site. These substances travel through the lymphatic system to the sentinel nodes, making them visible or detectable. The surgeon then uses a handheld gamma probe to locate the radioactive nodes or visually identifies the blue-stained nodes. The effectiveness of the SLNB procedure has significantly improved the accuracy of cancer staging and has led to more personalized treatment strategies for many patients.