The Sentinel Lymph Node Concept

Definition of the sentinel lymph node and basic principles of detection -- Main techniques of sentinel lymph node labeling -- Different aspects dependent on type and localization of the primary -- Basic strategies in sentinel node detection and exclusion or verification of cancer metastasis into the regional node(s) -- Positron emission tomography: significance for preoperative n-staging -- Detection and radiological imaging of SLN -- Lymphatic drainage to the SLN -- Specific developments in sentinel node labeling using 99mTc-colloids -- Experience with and suggestions for cancer of different types and in different sites -- General techniques in surgical investigations -- Radiation-detecting systems -- Quality criteria of gamma probes: requirements and future developments -- Statistical evaluation in detections of the SLN(s) -- Are the technical conditions for SLN detection satisfactory? -- Breast cancer diagnosis based on histopathology and/or cytopathology before sentinel lymph node labeling -- Success of stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology depending on quality of sampling -- Use of a newly developed ultrarapid immunohistochemical method to improve security in sentinel node investigation and timing in interdisciplinary cooperation -- "Micrometastasis" versus "microinvolvement" -- Preoperative axillary lymph node diagnosis using ultrasmall particles of iron oxide combined with MRT -- New strategies and devices for combined radiological and histological cancer diagnosis: exclusion or confirmation -- Breast cancer -- Thyroid cancer -- Cancers of the face, nose, pharynx, and oral cavity -- Lung cancer -- Malignant melanoma -- Esophageal and gastrointestinal cancer -- SLN staging in carcinoids and neuroendocrine tumors -- The sentinel node concept in cancers of the female genitalia -- Cancers of the male genitalia -- Prostate cancer: an overview: is sentinel node detection helpful in the curative treatment of prostate cancer? -- Cancers of the urinary tract -- Therapy regimens used in adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of the discussed tumor types.