Sentinel lymph node biopsy of tumors in head and neck region: radionuclide navigation and modern approaches

A personalized approach to tumor staging via sentinel lymph node biopsy ( SLNB) plays a crucial role in contemporary oncologic surgery of the head and neck region. In patients presenting with clinically negative cervical lymph nodes (cN0), conventional or prophylactic lymph node dissection is commonly excessive and associated with a high risk of complications. This article provides a brief overview of current SLNB navigation techniques, discussing their respective benefits and limitations. The authors present their experience with the use of a domestically produced radiopharmaceutical and a scintillation navigation probe for SLNB of tumors in head and neck region. Sentinel lymph nodes were successfully visualized and excised in 44 out of 46 patients (95.7%) with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma without clinical evidence of nodal metastases (cN0). No significant surgical complications were observed. The step-by-step methodology for SLNB is illustrated through a clinical case. The use of the domestic radiopharmaceutical and navigation equipment demonstrates high clinical efficacy and safety. This approach minimizes unnecessary surgical aggression, thereby improving patient quality of life. KEYWORDS: signaling lymph node, head and neck tumors, radiopharmaceuticals, scintillation navigation probe, navigation, technetium-99m, lymphoscintigraphy, minimally invasive surgery, tumor staging, oncology. FOR CITATION: Polyakov A.P., Ratushny M.V., Novikova I.V., Mordovsky A.V., Serno-Solovyevich E.A. Sentinel lymph node biopsy of tumors in head and neck region: radionuclide navigation and modern approaches. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2025;9(7):419–425 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2025-9-7-8