Prevention of futile sentinel node procedures in breast cancer: Ultrasonography of the axilla and fine-needle aspiration cytology are obligatory

Prevention of futile sentinel node procedures in breast cancer: Ultrasonography of the axilla and fine-needle aspiration cytology are obligatory
F. Gilissen, R. Oostenbroek, R. Storm, P. Westenend and P. Plaisier
European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO 34, Issue 5, May 2008, Pages 497-500

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By preoperative US and FNA of the axilla in patients with breast cancer, half of the axillary metastases can be detected prior to surgery. In more than a quarter of breast cancer patients, a futile SNP can be prevented.

Therefore, preoperative US of the axilla plus FNA are obligatory in patients with breast carcinoma.