Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy is a surgical technique used in the staging of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer and melanoma. The procedure helps identify the first lymph nodes that cancer cells are likely to spread to from the primary tumor.

Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy have become standard practice in the management of certain cancers, providing valuable information for both staging and treatment planning while minimizing the impact on the patient’s quality of life. The technique continues to evolve with ongoing research and technological advancements.