Removal of sentinel lymph nodes in Germany, in Munich.
The lymphatic system plays a very important role in our body. The lymph node as a structural unit of the lymph system filters the lymph that passes through it, removing various microbes, tumor cells, etc.
Lymph nodes are located in every part of the body and when diseases develop, they begin to react to it by increasing in size. For example, when cancer develops, tumor cells enter the lymph nodes. However, tumor cells penetrate first those nodes that are directly next to the tumor and are called first-order lymph nodes.
In oncologic practice, these lymph nodes are called sentinel or sentinel lymph nodes. To understand how far the cancer has spread beyond the main affected organ, specialists perform a biopsy of these sentinel nodes. If cancer cells are found in them, it means that the cancer has spread and repeated courses of treatment are necessary. In addition, histological examination of such lymph nodes allows the specialist to predict the course of the disease and determine further treatment tactics. In addition, the concept of sentinel lymph nodes also includes the removal of the affected lymph system.
Thus, it is proper and timely to perform a biopsy sentinel lymph node is essential for all cancer patients. The right choice of clinic and specialist is a key moment in the fight against neoplasm.
In Munich there are several oncology centers that deal with the diagnosis and treatment of almost any type of cancer and of any severity. Biopsy and, if necessary, removal of sentinel lymph nodes are performed by specialists with extensive experience and knowledge. One of the renowned institutions in Europe and abroad is the following Surgical Oncology Clinic Munich.
It is a specialized institution that works in cooperation with 12 specialized cancer centers throughout Germany. Every clinical case here is discussed in oncology meetings with specialists from various fields of medicine. Together with the attending physician, the head of the department determines the specific treatment tactics and diagnostic methods. The comprehensive approach in this clinic is aimed at completely eliminating possible risks of wrong decisions and actions. The clinic can treat up to 2400 people.
The oncology clinic has one of the best-equipped operating suites. The clinic specializes in the treatment of all types of tumors, including breast cancer and melanoma. In the medical institution, sentinel node biopsy is performed by highly professional specialists using the most modern equipment. Biopsy is performed under both local and general anesthesia. According to the results of the work of this center, a large number of scientific articles and monographs have been written, including more correct ways of performing biopsies of lymph nodes and removal of part of the lymphatic system affected by malignant process. In addition, the clinic uses various experimental methods of treatment that have not yet been approved and licensed in other countries. The institution conducts clinical trials and has the opportunity to participate in these trials for various types of cancer, when in other hospitals doctors put their hands down and do not give any chance of cure. The clinic has about 9,500 employees of different specialties to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to each patient.
The clinic provides treatment of terminal stages of tumor diseases, giving chances for remission. In addition, the clinic has a unified information system, which records the initial treatment of patients in order to track the further course of the disease and carry out preventive measures. The clinic has its own laboratory, in which after performing a biopsy it is possible to examine the sample using the latest methods, performing a genetic analysis of tumor tissue, to study various changes, to determine the effectiveness of treatment. In this case, the tests do not need to wait for a long time, and within a few days you can get the main results. In addition, during a biopsy with a high probability of affecting the lymph system, there are techniques to identify tumor cells in cito, то есть на месте можно узнать поражены ли клетки патологическим процессов или нет.
Another well-known oncology clinic in Munich is the Grosshadern Clinic.
It is one of the clinics of the University of Munich and has a rich scientific, clinical and technical background. This clinic is one of the best in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor processes in the lymphatic system and blood. The main advantage of the clinic is the treatment of patients with a complex and comprehensive personalized approach, which allows to supervise complex clinical cases, resulting in a higher survival rate. For example, bone marrow transplantation and autologous stem cell treatment are performed here.
There are departments within the clinic:
- oncogynecology,
- oncourology,
- bone marrow transplant center, as well as
- a separate clinic for treating tumors with radiation and radiotherapy.
Special attention is paid here to the psychological state of the patients.
With a dedicated breast cancer center, sentinel lymph node biopsies are performed here to a world-class standard.
Before the biopsy is performed, an x-ray is taken using a radioisotope or special dye. When taking pictures, specialists can see where the contrast agent has accumulated, which indicates a signal sentinel lymph node. This is followed by either an open or closed biopsy of the node, depending on its location.
Also on the territory of Munich operates Prof. Salat’s Clinic of Hematology and Oncology.
The clinic cooperates with a large Red Cross clinical complex. The clinic diagnoses and treats various types of tumors of the lymphatic system and blood tumors. In this clinic, the detection and early removal of affected sentinel lymph nodes is one of the main goals in the treatment of such patients.
In addition to modern equipment and treatment methods, the treating physician plays a major role in the fight against oncology. Prof. Klaus Friese and Prof. Christian Stief work at the Groshadern Clinic.
Professor Klaus Friese works with patients diagnosed with oncologic pathology: uterine, cervical, ovarian and genitourinary cancer. He performs surgical interventions with maximum efficiency and low level of surgical aggressiveness — through mini-accesses. He tries to perform lymph node biopsies and their removal with minimal damage and preservation of unaffected tissues, which gives a chance to preserve fertility.
Prof. Christian Stief is known for its results in oncourology, in the treatment of urogenital masses.
After the biopsy is taken, the biopsy is thoroughly analyzed. The laboratory allows the determination of tumor growth receptors, the formation of new blood vessels, and the destruction of various tumor variants by chemopreparations.
Cost of sentinel lymph node removal in Germany — 3100 Euro.