SPECT/CT for preoperative sentinel node localization

J Surg Oncol. 2010 Feb 1;101(2):184-90. doi: 10.1002/jso.21439.

Abstract

The value of SPECT/CT for detection and localization of sentinel nodes is reviewed. SPECT/CT depicts extra sentinel nodes and identifies non-nodal tracer accumulation. SPECT/CT is indicated in patients with complex lymphatic drainage as often present in patients with head, neck and scapular melanoma, breast cancer patients with extra-axillary sentinel nodes and patients with tumors draining to pelvic nodes. SPECT/CT also clarifies the drainage pattern of inconclusive conventional images (non-visualization or unclear location of the nodes).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*