THE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF LYMPH NODE REVEALING SOLUTION ON AXILLARY DISSECTION MATERIAL

Objective: Nodal status is still the most important independent prognostic factor in breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of lymph node revealing solution (LNRS) on the number and diameter of removed lymph nodes and nodal staging. Study Design: Consecutive 150 patients, diagnosed breast carcinoma, were included in the study. After excising the lymph nodes by the traditional method, remaining axillary tissue was immersed in LNRS for 6-12 hours. lymph nodes, which stood out as white chalky nodules, were excised and processed as usual. Results: An increase of 5.80 (32.03%) in the number of lymph nodes per case was observed, which was statistically significant. The diameters of the lymph nodes removed with LNRS were smaller compared to the classical method, and this was statistically significant as well. Furthermore, the LINES changed nodal stage of the disease in five of the studied cases. Conclusions: LNRS increases the number of lymph nodes that are removed and detects smaller lymph nodes. It may be an alternative method in cases with removed lymph nodes are critical number or under. Thus, accurate nodal staging and prognostic information will be obtained by using LNRS and more accurate treatment management will be provided.