The sentinel lymph node concept is meeting with steadily growing interest and is being extended to the different sites of the primaries. In addition, the concept is being applied in an increasingly sophisticated manner. In this book the practical application of the sentinel node concept is evaluated from the points of view of pathology, radiodiagnosis and nuclear medicine diagnostics, surgical treatment and clinical oncology. The concept is analyzed for breast cancer, malignant melanoma, tumors of the face, oropharynx, lung, gastrointestinal and urogenital tract. The first part of the book describes the function and use of the nuclear medicine equipment, the tracers used, colloid solutions and modern developments in histological and immunohistochemical lymph node investigations, as well as possible pitfalls. The consequences of false-negative results are clearly delineated. In the second part, specific tumor-related problems are described.

General Part

Definition of the Sentinel Lymph Node and Basic Principles of Detection
Main Techniques of Sentinel Lymph Node Labeling
Different Aspects Dependent on Type and Localization of the Primary
Basic Strategies in Sentinel Node Detection and Exclusion or Verification of Cancer Metastasis into the Regional Node(s)
Positron Emission Tomography: Significance for Preoperative N-Staging
Detection and Radiological Imaging of SLN
Lymphatic Drainage to the SLN
Specific Developments in Sentinel Node Labeling Using 99mTc-Colloids
Experience with and Suggestions for Cancer of Different Types and in Different Sites
General Techniques in Surgical Investigations
Radiation-Detecting Systems
Quality Criteria of Gamma Probes: Requirements and Future Developments
Statistical Evaluation in Detection of the SLN(s)
Are the Technical Conditions for SLN Detection Satisfactory?
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Based on Histopathology and/or Cytopathology Before Sentinel Lymph Node Labeling
Success of Stereotactic Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Depending on Quality of Sampling
Use of a Newly Developed Ultrarapid Immunohistochemical Method to Improve Security in Sentinel Node Investigation and Timing in Interdisciplinary Cooperation
"Micrometastasis" Versus "Microinvolvement"
Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Diagnosis Using Ultrasmall Particles of Iron Oxide Combined with MRT
New Strategies and Devices for Combined Radiological and Histological Cancer Diagnosis - Exclusion or Confirmation
Special Part The Sentinel Node Concept Related to Main Tumor Types and Subtypes: Applicability in Daily Routine Work
Breast Cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Cancers of the Face, Nose, Pharynx, and Oral Cavity
Lung Cancer
Malignant Melanoma
Esophageal andGastrointestinal Cancer
SLN Staging in Carcinoids and Neuroendocrine Tumors
The Sentinel Node Concept in Cancers of the Female Genitalia
Cancers of the Male Genitalia
Prostate Cancer: an Overview
Cancers of the Urinary Tract
Closing Remarks
Therapy Regimens Used in Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Treatment of the Discussed Tumor Types.