Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is a Sentinel Node Biopsy?
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the spread of cancer cells, as it carries lymph fluid through lymph vessels and into lymph nodes, which help the body fight infection. In breast cancer, the first few lymph glands to receive drainage from a tumour are called the sentinel nodes.
A sentinel node biopsy identifies and removes these sentinel lymph nodes so they can be checked for abnormal cells in a lab. If no cancer cells are found, it’s unlikely the cancer has spread, and no more lymph nodes need to be removed. If cancer spread is found, your consultant may recommend further treatment or more surgery to remove additional lymph nodes.
This approach helps avoid the need to remove many lymph nodes, reducing the risks of complications like swelling or fluid buildup in the affected arm.
Sentinel Node Biopsy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
Our team delivers high-quality, patient-centred care for those undergoing sentinel node biopsy as part of their breast cancer pathway.
Why choose us:
- Expert Surgical Team: Our consultants have extensive experience in surgical oncology and use evidence-based techniques to minimise risk
- Integrated Breast Care: Our dedicated breast care nurse and wider medical team support patients before, during, and after surgery
- Onsite Imaging & Diagnostics: Pre-operative assessment, including scans and planning with radioactive solution, is coordinated under one roof
- Private, Comfortable Setting: Located in NW8 with access to modern facilities and a personalised, compassionate approach
We aim to make each procedure safe and straightforward while ensuring every patient feels supported at every stage.
Consultants who perform Sentinel Node Biopsy
Before Surgery
This preparatory phase is designed to ensure you are fully informed and prepared for the procedure. A detailed review of your medical history and current health status will be conducted, including necessary blood tests. It’s essential to discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor, as adjustments may be required to mitigate any potential risks during the biopsy.
Patients are advised to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure to prepare for anaesthesia. Additionally, you will receive instructions on pre-operative care, including the use of special antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection.
During Surgery
The procedure day marks a pivotal moment in your treatment journey. After the administration of general anaesthesia for your comfort, the surgical team proceeds with the sentinel node mapping.
With precision, the identified sentinel nodes are surgically removed through a small incision. The meticulous nature of this procedure underscores our commitment to conserving as much of the healthy lymphatic system as possible, mitigating the risk of complications such as lymphedema.
After Surgery
The post-operative phase is characterised by a focus on recovery and comfort. Most patients can return home on the same day, beginning their recovery with specific aftercare instructions provided by the surgical team. These guidelines cover managing any discomfort, caring for the incision site, and recognising signs of any potential complications.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results and outline the next steps in your treatment plan. This meeting is a cornerstone of your care, ensuring you are fully informed and supported as you progress through your treatment journey.
How Much Does a Private Sentinel Node Biopsy Cost?
from £4,000*
The price of a private Sentinel Node Biopsy depends on the type of procedure performed.
*The prices shown are the estimated from price and would include all hospital related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. The price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics, or the surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
|
Sentinel Node Biopsy in the Breast |
£5,000* |
|---|---|
|
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Melanoma |
£4,000* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Initial Consultation
Your pathway begins with a consultation with our specialist, where you’ll discuss your medical history, the sentinel node biopsy, and address any questions. This step ensures you’re fully informed about the procedure and its implications.
Treatment Plan
Following your consultation, we’ll craft a personalised treatment plan, detailing the steps leading to your biopsy, expectations for the procedure, and post-operative care.
Pre-operative Assessment
A comprehensive pre-operative assessment will evaluate your readiness for the procedure, encompassing essential health checks and tests to ensure your safety and optimise outcomes.
Procedure Day
On the day, our team will guide you through the final preparations, support you during the biopsy, and ensure your comfort and care throughout the process.
Aftercare and Follow-up
Post-operatively, you’ll receive aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and next steps in your treatment journey, ensuring continuous support and care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sentinel Node Biopsy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), within easy reach of Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a short 5-minute walk.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, 113
- Circus Road: Routes 46, 187
- Abbey Road: Routes 139, 189
By Car:
We are easily accessed via Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road from NW3 and NW6.
A sentinel node biopsy is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually takes place during the same operation as a breast cancer removal, such as a wide local excision.
The surgeon injects a small amount of radioactive substance and blue dye near the tumour site. These help identify the sentinel nodes, which are then located using a gamma detector and removed through a small incision. These nodes are sent to a lab to check for cancer cells.
This procedure is often used for people with early-stage breast cancer, where the spread to nearby lymph nodes isn’t obvious. It helps the breast team decide whether further treatment or more lymph nodes removed is needed.
It may also be recommended for patients involved in clinical trials or for selected cases of other cancers, such as endometrial cancer.
Before surgery, you’ll attend the nuclear medicine department for the injection of a radioactive solution. On the day of your operation, your consultant will review your plan and confirm consent.
After the biopsy, some blue dye may be visible in your skin or urine (commonly referred to as “green pee”). You may feel sore around the wound, and there might be some swelling or mild fluid buildup, but this usually settles as the body heals. Our team will provide pain relief, dressing care advice, and follow-up support through your next clinic appointment.
If breast cancer cells are detected in the sentinel nodes, it means that some cancer spread has begun within the lymphatic system. Your consultant will discuss whether you need further treatment, such as removing additional lymph nodes, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
Sometimes, even when cancer is found in the sentinel lymph nodes, removing more lymph nodes isn’t always necessary. The decision depends on the extent of the cancer cells, your overall treatment plan, and the latest research from national guidelines and clinical trials.
Your breast team and specialist nurse will support you throughout this process and ensure your treatment is tailored to your diagnosis.
Most patients recover quickly after a sentinel node biopsy. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic, often during the same operation as a wide local excision or other breast cancer procedure.
You may feel some swelling or mild discomfort in the affected arm, and the wound heals within one to two weeks. The blue dye used during surgery may cause temporary skin staining or a change in urine colour, which will gradually fade.
You’ll have a clinic appointment or next follow-up to check healing and discuss your test results. Most people can return to light daily activities after a few days, though your medical team will provide individual guidance.
- Adhering to the aftercare guidelines provided by our team is crucial for a smooth recovery. This includes managing any discomfort, caring for the incision site, and recognising signs of potential complications.
- Engage in Recommended Physical Activity – Gentle, recommended exercises can aid your recovery, improving circulation and reducing the risk of complications. Our physiotherapy team will guide you on the appropriate activities.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet – Nutrition plays a vital role in healing. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to support your body’s recovery process.
The price of a private sentinel node biopsy depends on which area of the body you have the biopsy.
The cost of a private Sentinel Node Biopsy in the Breast is from £5,000* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
The cost of a Private Sentinel Node Biopsy for Melanoma is from £4,000* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
Medically reviewed by Mr Neil Johns - MBBS MD FRCS on 26/04/2024