The sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique has practical applications in multiple solid tumors including colorectal carcinoma. Identifying the SLN(s) provides better staging of the regional lymphatics beyond standard H&E analysis. This additional information assists in predicting biology and may be useful in guiding adjuvant therapy. We postulate the era of sentinel node has ushered in a new generation of node-negative patients; patients that have an exceptionally favorable outcome when compared to historic controls.
2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc