Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT

Recently, invisible near-infrared fluorescence imaging system (PDE) which can provide fluorescence imaging of lymphatic flow has been introduced in clinical areas for the therapy of breast cancer. This handy and portable instrument can provide a distinct image of subcutaneous lymphatic vessels in real-time. In sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using PDE, we can start SLNB at the optimum moment when the drainage lymphatic flow reaches to the axilla and identify the site of skin incision precisely. A satisfactory detection rate of the lymphatic drainage route and SLN was obtained using PDE. PDE has a potential as a modality to complement SLNB using a blue dye. On the other hand, PDE seems to be useful for the diagnosis and prediction of lymphedema after axillary dissection in patients with breast cancer because PDE could provide aberrant lymphatic structures in extremities with lymphedema.