1890 Silver Cross Boulevard, Suites 410 and 520, New Lenox, Illinois 60451, in Silver Cross Hospital.
Phone: (815) 717-8730 Fax: (815) 717-8729
A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node of a group of nodes to contain cancer cells from an original cancer site (the sentinel node for breast cancer is typically one of the under-arm lymph nodes). The sentinel lymph node is determined by following the pathway of a special dye or tracer that is injected in and around the original cancer site. This sentinel lymph node is then removed and tested for cancer cells. If this first lymph node is unaffected, it is likely the nodes beyond it in the lymphatic pathway are unaffected as well. However, if cancer is determined to be present in the sentinel lymph node, your surgeon must remove additional lymph nodes.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is done to eliminate unnecessary removal of lymph nodes in breast cancer or melanoma cases that have not spread beyond the original cancer site. This can minimize patient discomfort and the risk of lymphedema (swelling).
We serve all communities and are conveniently located near Frankfort, Homer Glen, Joliet, Mokena, Morris, Orland Park and Tinley Park.