Question

A sentinel node is:

a. the first draining lymph node from a primary cancer
b. the node containing cancer from which is most distant from the primary tumor site
c. the common iliac node
d. always ipsilateral to the tumor

Answer 1

The sentinel node is the first draining lymph node from a primary cancer and plays a crucial role in cancer staging.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sentinel node is defined as a: the first draining lymph node from a primary cancer. Sentinel lymph nodes are critical in the process of cancer staging, as they are typically the first place cancer cells will spread from the primary tumor. Lymph nodes function as filters of the lymph, trapping pathogens, including cancer cells. The process involves afferent lymphatic vessels bringing lymph into the node via the subcapsular sinus and efferent lymphatic vessels allowing it to exit after being filtered.