Biomed Eng Lett.  2018 May;8(2):183-191. 10.1007/s13534-018-0068-1.

Multimodal photoacoustic imaging as a tool for sentinel lymph node identification and biopsy guidance

• Kim H
• Chang JH

• KMID: 2439173
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13534-018-0068-1

Abstract

As a minimally invasive method, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in conjunction with guidance methods is the standard method to determine cancer metastasis in breast. The desired guidance methods for SLNB should be capable of precise SLN localization for accurate diagnosis of micro-metastases at an early stage of cancer progression and thus facilitate reducing the number of SLN biopsies for minimal surgical complications. For this, high sensitivity to the administered dyes, high spatial and contrast resolutions, deep imaging depth, and real-time imaging capability are pivotal requirements. Currently, various methods have been used for SLNB guidance, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, but no methods meet the requirements. In this review, we discuss the conventional SLNB guidance methods in this perspective. In addition, we focus on the role of the PA imaging modality on real-time SLN identification and biopsy guidance. In particular, PA-based hybrid imaging methods for precise SLN identification and efficient biopsy guidance are introduced, and their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed.

Keyword

Sentinel lymph node; Sentinel lymph node biopsy; Photoacoustic imaging; Ultrasound imaging; Fluorescence imaging; Hybrid imaging; Contrast agents

MeSH Terms

Biopsy*
Breast
Coloring Agents
Contrast Media
Diagnosis
Lymph Nodes*
Methods
Neoplasm Metastasis
Optical Imaging
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Ultrasonography
Coloring Agents
Contrast Media