Comparative analysis of sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer by 1% lymphazurin vs. 1% methylene blue: A prospective study

570 Background: Lymphazurin (L) has been widely used for sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in breast cancer with or without radiosulfur colloid. Due to the recent unavailability and occasional adverse anaphylactic reactions of L, methylene blue (M) is being used for SLNM. A prospective comparison was made between L and M for patients with early stage breast cancer undergoing SLNM to identify the differences between the two dyes. Methods: Only patients with early stages (T1, T2) breast cancer with clinically negative nodes were included. SLNM was performed by injection of 3–5 ml of L or M in the subaereolar, intraparenchymal and intradermal areas. If touch preparations of SLNs were negative for metastasis, no further node dissection was performed. Data was obtained regarding age, stage of the disease, sentinel lymph node status, accuracy, sensitivity and adverse reactions for both groups. Results: Two hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients were studied. L was used in 167 patients (69%) and M in 72 patie...