The Sentinel Lymph Node Concept

General Part.- Definition of the Sentinel Lymph Node and Basic Principles of Detection.- Main Techniques of Sentinel Lymph Node Labeling.- Different Aspects Dependent on Type and Localization of the Primary.- Basic Strategies in Sentinel Node Detection and Exclusion or Verification of Cancer Metastasis into the Regional Node(s).- Positron Emission Tomography: Significance for Preoperative N-Staging.- Detection and Radiological Imaging of SLN.- Lymphatic Drainage to the SLN.- Specific Developments in Sentinel Node Labeling Using 99mTc-Colloids.- Experience with and Suggestions for Cancer of Different Types and in Different Sites.- General Techniques in Surgical Investigations.- Radiation-Detecting Systems.- Quality Criteria of Gamma Probes: Requirements and Future Developments.- Statistical Evaluation in Detection of the SLN(s).- Are the Technical Conditions for SLN Detection Satisfactory?.- Breast Cancer Diagnosis Based on Histopathology and/or Cytopathology Before Sentinel Lymph Node Labeling.- Success of Stereotactic Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Depending on Quality of Sampling.- Use of a Newly Developed Ultrarapid Immunohistochemical Method to Improve Security in Sentinel Node Investigation and Timing in Interdisciplinary Cooperation.- "Micrometastasis" Versus "Microinvolvement".- Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Diagnosis Using Ultrasmall Particles of Iron Oxide Combined with MRT.- New Strategies and Devices for Combined Radiological and Histological Cancer Diagnosis - Exclusion or Confirmation.- Special Part The Sentinel Node Concept Related to Main Tumor Types and Subtypes: Applicability in Daily Routine Work.- Breast Cancer.- Thyroid Cancer.- Cancers of the Face, Nose, Pharynx, and Oral Cavity.- Lung Cancer.- Malignant Melanoma.- Esophageal and Gastrointestinal Cancer.- SLN Staging in Carcinoids and Neuroendocrine Tumors.- The Sentinel Node Concept in Cancers of the Female Genitalia.- Cancers of the Male Genitalia.- Prostate Cancer: an Overview.- Cancers of the Urinary Tract.- Closing Remarks.- Therapy Regimens Used in Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Treatment of the Discussed Tumor Types.