Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: what a physician should know, a decade after its introduction in clinical practice.

In the era of breast conservation surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy is increasingly used. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed by using the blue dye technique, lymphoscintigraphy and the combined method. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive technique which has many advantages over the classical axillary (level I and II) lymph node dissection. However, false negative results - albeit rare in experienced hands - may be a serious limitation. The physician should be familiar with this new technique. This will allow him or her to be more actively involved in the management of breast cancer patients and to understand the available management options for these patients.