IMPRINT CYTOLOGY VERSUS IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODES IN BREAST CANCER WITH CLINICALLY NEGATIVE AXILLA

Aim: The success of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in determining axillary lymph node status necessitates an accurate and rapid method for intraoperative examination of the nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of immunohistochemistry (IHC) of touch imprints in detecting axillary nodal metastasis. Methods: Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 50 patients ivith clinical Tl-2 NO breast cancer. After harvesting, the SLN were bisected, imprinted and subjected to IHC. Residts ivere compared with those of routine hematoxylin and eosin (H E) and IHC examination of the same node. Results: The SLN zvas the only site of metastasis in 15 patients (37.25%). IHC staining of the imprinted SLNs is more accurate than H E imprint or paraffin sections H E and IHC stained. Immunohistochemistry was capable to detect micrometastasis in 4 paraffin sections of SLN. Conclusion: IHC of touch imprint is feasible and can provide reliable results for intraoperative evaluation of SLN in patients with breast cancer. It is also more sensitive for detection of micrometastasis in paraffin sections