The sentinel node biopsy is a new standard of care for patients with early breast cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a simple technique which uses subdermal or peritumoral injection of vital blue dye and/or both substances together to identify the first lymph node(s) draining the primary tumor. It has been shown to accurately predict axillary node status in patients with clinically node negative breast cancer. The SLNB is emerging as a new standard of care in patients with early breast cancer. However, certain criteria should be fulfilled for its safe application.