Breast cancer surgery has come a long way, with newer techniques making procedures safer and more precise. One such advancement is fluorescence imaging, a technology that helps surgeons see and remove cancerous tissues more accurately. But what exactly is fluorescence in breast cancer surgery, and how does it help?
Read to the end to get all your answers.
What is Fluorescence in Breast Cancer Surgery?
Fluorescence imaging is a technique that uses a special dye and near-infrared light to highlight tissues during surgery. This allows surgeons to see things that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye, such as cancerous cells, lymph nodes, and blood flow. It helps in making better surgical decisions and improves patient outcomes.
How Does It Work?
Injection of a Fluorescent Dye
A safe, medical-grade dye (like indocyanine green or ICG) is injected into the patient’s body. This dye binds to certain tissues and glows under a special light.
Near-Infrared Imaging
During surgery, a near-infrared camera is used to detect the glowing areas, allowing the surgeon to clearly see the cancerous tissues, lymph nodes, or blood vessels.
Guiding Surgical Decisions
The glowing effect helps surgeons remove cancer more precisely while protecting healthy tissues. This reduces the chances of leaving cancerous cells behind and lowers the risk of complications.
Why is Fluorescence Important in Breast Cancer Surgery?
For patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, precision is essential. Here’s how fluorescence makes a difference:
- Better Tumor Detection – It helps surgeons differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissues.
- More Accurate Lymph Node Mapping – It identifies the sentinel lymph nodes, which are the first to be affected by cancer.
- Reduced Risk of Complications – It helps in preserving vital structures like blood vessels and nerves.
- Lower Chances of Cancer Recurrence – More precise removal of cancerous tissues means fewer chances of cancer returning.
Fluorescence in Different Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries
- Lumpectomy – Fluorescence helps ensure that all cancerous tissue is removed while keeping as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
- Mastectomy – It helps in checking for remaining cancerous cells, ensuring a more complete removal.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) – Fluorescence guides surgeons to the first lymph node affected by cancer, making the procedure more accurate.
Is Fluorescence Safe?
Yes! The dyes used in fluorescence imaging are FDA-approved and considered safe. They are quickly processed by the body and do not cause harm. Patients rarely experience any side effects.
The Future of Breast Cancer Surgery
With advancements like fluorescence imaging, breast cancer surgery is becoming more precise, effective, and safer. If you or a loved one is undergoing breast cancer treatment, it’s important to consult an expert who stays updated with the latest surgical techniques.
Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti, a leading breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata, specializes in advanced surgical techniques, ensuring the best possible care for his patients. If you have any concerns or need expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Early detection and the right treatment can make all the difference.
