The developing role of mammographers in performing sentinel node injections in a specialist breast care centre

The purpose of the present poster is to highlight the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a mammographer-led sentinel node injection session within a specialist breast care centre. The axillary lymph node status provides the most important staging information and offers improved regional control. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been reported as providing a safe and sensitive method of predicting axillary metastases and can help prevent unnecessary axillary surgery in a number of breast cancer patients [1]. Sentinel node injections have developed into a significant aspect of the mammographer's role expansion and have become fundamental in a specialised breast care centre. Utilisation of mammographer's skills in an extended role has increased motivation and job satisfaction and has provided career enhancement. Mammo-grapher-led sentinel node injection sessions have reduced the inpatient stay, improved the patient's journey and reduced the dose of radioisotope given to the patient.