What are Sentinel Lymph Nodes?

Sentinel lymph nodes serve as the primary drainage points for cancer cells. Cancer typically spreads in an orderly manner, starting with the lymph nodes due to the lymph's directional flow. A biopsy of sentinel nodes is critical for determining the extent of cancer spread. If the biopsy is negative, it is highly probable that the cancer cells haven't reached the lymph nodes. However, if the result is positive, it indicates the cancer-affected lymph area that needs surgical removal.

What are Axillary Lymph Nodes?

Axillary lymph nodes are located in the human armpit and are responsible for draining lymph from the chest wall, breast, upper abdomen, and upper limb. These nodes are crucial in detecting the presence of breast cancer. Finding cancer cells in these nodes increases the risk of metastatic breast cancer.

Contrasting Sentinel and Axillary Lymph Nodes

Learn More: The Differences between Blood and Lymph

Further Reading: An Overview of the Composition and Function of Lymph in Humans

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