Sentinel lymph node mapping in early cervical cancer (stage IA2–IB1) uses which combination of tracers to achieve optimal bilateral detection?
- A Technetium-99m labelled nanocolloid + blue dye (indocyanine green or isosulfan blue) ✓
- B Carbon nanoparticles alone
- C Fluorescent indocyanine green alone without isotope
- D Intradermal methylene blue at the pubic hairline
Correct answer: A. Technetium-99m labelled nanocolloid + blue dye (indocyanine green or isosulfan blue)
Explanation
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cervical cancer achieves the best bilateral detection rate (>80%) with the combination of radioactive colloid (Tc-99m) injected cervically plus a blue dye (classically patent blue V or indocyanine green for near-infrared fluorescence). Single-agent ICG gives equivalent results in most prospective series and is increasingly preferred. Carbon nanoparticles are used in gastric cancer nodal mapping; intradermal inguinal injection is for vulval cancer.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.