Sentinel lymph node biopsy for occult breast cancer detected during breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is considered a relative contraindication to a sentinel node biopsy because of the possibility that lymphatics have been interrupted by the procedure. We describe six patients who underwent successful sentinel lymph node biopsy for occult carcinomas detected after breast reduction surgery. A subsequent skin-sparing mastectomy, along with a sentinel lymph node biopsy, was performed. Reconstruction was possible in five of six patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should not be considered a contraindication after breast reduction surgery.