During a sentinel node biopsy, which dye is commonly injected?

The commonly injected dye during a sentinel node biopsy is methylene blue. This dye serves as a vital tool in identifying the sentinel lymph nodes, which are the first nodes to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor. Methylene blue can effectively stain these nodes, making them easier to locate during surgical procedures.

The use of methylene blue helps surgeons visualize the lymphatic pathways and the sentinel nodes, facilitating the removal of these nodes for examination. Accurate identification of sentinel nodes is crucial for determining the spread of cancer and making informed decisions regarding further treatment.

While other dyes may have specific applications in medical imaging or other procedures, methylene blue is particularly favored in the context of sentinel node biopsies due to its safety profile and efficacy in node identification.