The concept of lymphatic mapping has helped to redefine the clinical significance of lymph nodes with respect to breast cancer. The combination technique using both blue dye and radiocolloid is the most effective method of lymphatic mapping. The data in the literature support the concept that all patients undergoing lumpectomy or especially mastectomy should undergo lymphatic mapping if a diagnosis of invasive cancer is remotely possible. The low morbidity, high sensitivity, and specificity of mapping indicate its use for increasing numbers of patients thought initially not to be candidates for the procedure.
Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. coxce@moffitt.usf.edu
