Sentinel Node Biopsy Treatment in India – Best Hospitals & Doctors

Learn about Sentinel Node Biopsy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Sentinel Node Biopsy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

Partner Hospitals

0 partner in India for this surgery

Specialist Doctors

4 Surgeons linked to this surgery

Treatment Cost

Approx INR 35 Thousand – 120 Thousand

About Sentinel Node Biopsy

A Sentinel Node Biopsy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by a Surgical Oncologist to determine if cancer has spread from a primary tumor to the lymphatic system. It involves identifying, removing, and examining the 'sentinel' lymph node, the first node to which cancer cells are most likely to travel. This targeted approach is most commonly used in breast cancer and melanoma. By analyzing this specific node, doctors can accurately stage the cancer without the need for a more extensive lymph node dissection, thereby reducing surgical risks, minimizing side effects like lymphedema, and guiding precise treatment plans. It is a cornerstone of modern, personalized cancer care.

Key Highlights

Minimally invasive procedure with high diagnostic accuracy.Helps in accurate cancer staging without extensive surgery.Significantly reduces the risk of lymphedema compared to full lymph node removal.Guides personalized treatment decisions (e.g., need for further surgery or chemotherapy).Typically performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure.Leads to faster recovery and less post-operative pain./ul

Who is this surgery for?

Diagnosed early-stage breast cancer (invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma).
Diagnosed melanoma with a certain thickness (Breslow depth).
Some cases of other cancers like penile, vulvar, or head and neck cancers.
To determine if cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes when imaging is inconclusive.
As part of the surgical planning for tumor removal.

How to prepare

Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests and possibly an ECG.
Discussion of all medications (especially blood thinners) with the surgeon; some may need to be paused.
Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
Injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer and/or blue dye near the tumor site on the day of or before surgery to map the lymph nodes.
Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Risks & possible complications

Allergic reaction to the blue dye (rare).
Infection, bleeding, or bruising at the injection or incision site.
Seroma (fluid collection) or hematoma (blood collection).
Temporary skin discoloration from the blue dye or altered sensation.
Risk of a false-negative result (cancer is present but not detected in the sentinel node).
Small risk of lymphedema, though much lower than with full lymph node dissection.

Recovery & hospital stay

Most patients can go home the same day or after a short observation period.
Mild pain or discomfort at the incision site is managed with prescribed pain medication.
Keep the surgical area clean and dry; follow specific instructions on showering and dressing changes.
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous arm movements (for upper body procedures) for 1-2 weeks.
Attend all follow-up appointments to discuss the biopsy results and next steps in treatment.
Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, fever, or pus) and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.

Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering sentinel node biopsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

＋ − Which hospitals are best for sentinel node biopsy in India?

Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.

＋ − How do I choose the right doctor for sentinel node biopsy?

Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform sentinel node biopsy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.

＋ − What factors affect the cost of sentinel node biopsy?

The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.

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Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for sentinel node biopsy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country	Estimated cost range	Typical stay	Recovery time	View details
India	INR 35 Thousand – 120 Thousand	0-1 days	~ 1-2 weeks	Know More
Turkey	TRY 123 Thousand – 420 Thousand	0-1 days	~ 1-2 weeks	Know More

PATIENT REVIEW

Saanvi Chopra, a 48-year-old high school...

Saanvi Chopra, a 48-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, discovered a small, painless lump in her left breast during a routine self-exam. She had no family history of breast cancer. A mammogram and subsequent ultrasound revealed a suspicious 1.5 cm mass. A core needle biopsy confirmed it was an early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, explained that a Sentinel Node Biopsy was the standard next step to see if the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, which would guide further treatment. Saanvi was terrified of a full axillary dissection and its potential for lifelong lymphedema, so she was relieved by the minimally invasive nature of the sentinel node procedure. The day of surgery, she received an injection of a radioactive tracer and blue dye near the tumor to map the lymphatic drainage. During the lumpectomy, Dr. Evans removed the tumor and the two 'sentinel' nodes that lit up. The procedure itself was straightforward, and Saanvi went home the same day with mild soreness and bruising under her arm. A week later, the pathology report came back: the sentinel nodes were clear of cancer. Her emotional journey was a rollercoaster, initial shock and fear of a 'death sentence' gave way to immense relief and cautious optimism upon hearing the negative node results. She felt empowered to move forward with radiation therapy knowing her prognosis was excellent, and she was profoundly grateful to have avoided more extensive lymph node surgery.