When it comes to cancer care, precision and compassion matter equally. A sentinel node biopsy provides both. This minimally invasive technique determines whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes without requiring extensive surgery. At AQ Surgery in West Palm Beach, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Anastasiya Quimby, an expert in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction, offers a refined, patient-focused approach that blends advanced technology with personalized care. Here’s how this gentle procedure enhances diagnostic accuracy and recovery outcomes.
Understanding Sentinel Node Biopsy
The sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor. By testing these specific nodes, physicians can assess whether cancer has moved beyond its original site. During the procedure, Dr. Quimby injects a small amount of tracer material near the tumor, allowing her to pinpoint the exact nodes for removal. Only a few nodes are taken, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue while providing critical diagnostic information.
Recognized as the standard of care in many cancer types, this method delivers reliable, precise results with less risk and discomfort than traditional lymph node dissections.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Lymph Node Sampling
Choosing sentinel node biopsy instead of a full lymph node dissection offers key advantages:
Reduced complications: Focusing on just a few nodes lowers the chance of lymphedema and other post-operative effects.
- Faster recovery: Smaller incisions and limited tissue disruption lead to less discomfort and quicker healing.
- Enhanced accuracy: Tracer-guided mapping ensures that only the most relevant lymph nodes are sampled, leading to better-informed treatment plans.
- Emotional reassurance: Patients gain confidence knowing the approach is clinically proven and minimally invasive.
This balance of precision and gentleness allows patients to move forward in their treatment with clarity and peace of mind.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Sentinel node biopsy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. A small amount of dye or radioactive tracer is injected near the tumor site. Using advanced detection technology, Dr. Quimby identifies the sentinel lymph nodes that absorb the tracer and carefully removes them through a small incision. These nodes are then analyzed by a pathologist to determine whether cancer cells are present.
If the nodes are clear, additional lymph node removal is usually unnecessary, reducing both surgical risk and recovery time. If cancer is detected, this information helps guide a personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plan. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Precision Cancer Care
Dr. Quimby’s extensive training sets AQ Surgery apart as a leader in modern cancer care. With dual degrees in medicine and dentistry, and advanced fellowship training in head and neck oncology, she brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to each case. Her approach integrates 3D virtual planning, custom surgical mapping, and collaboration with oncology specialists to create the most effective, least invasive treatment strategies possible.
Excellence at AQ Surgery extends beyond surgery itself. Dr. Quimby and her team focus on restoring function and confidence after treatment, ensuring that every patient can speak, eat, and live comfortably once their recovery is complete. This comprehensive care model reflects AQ Surgery’s commitment to quality of life, not just disease management.
Experience Quality Cancer Care at AQ Surgery
Sentinel node biopsy represents the best of modern cancer care: minimally invasive, accurate, and centered on patient well-being. Under the care of Dr. Quimby, patients at AQ Surgery benefit from world-class surgical expertise and a holistic approach that prioritizes comfort, confidence, and long-term health. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Quimby today to learn whether sentinel node biopsy in West Palm Beach is right for your treatment plan and experience the difference of truly personalized care.
