All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

A 55-year-old lady visits surgery OPD with a three month old history of a painless hard swelling in her left breast.
On examination, it is found that the swelling is firm, immovable and is located in upper inner quadrant, along with retraction of nipple.
She is advised to undergo pre-operative sentinel lymph node biopsy and surgery. Explain the anatomical basis of pre-operative sentinel node biopsy in this case.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The patient’s painless, hard, immovable breast swelling with nipple retraction suggests breast carcinoma. The basis for pre-operative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the predictable sequential lymphatic drainage of the breast. Lymph, especially from the upper inner quadrant, first drains to a specific sentinel node in the axilla or occasionally the internal mammary chain. If cancer spreads, it initially involves this node before other regional nodes. Biopsy of the sentinel node allows accurate cancer staging and guides management, potentially avoiding extensive axillary dissection if the node is negative, reducing surgical morbidity while ensuring oncological safety.

Answered By:

Anushka Goel

Anushka Goel is a dynamic exam mentor who has cracked multiple competitive exams including CUET, NDA, IBPS Clerk, RRB Office Assistant and SSC CHSL. With a strong academic record and a strategic approach to exam preparation, she has mentored thousands of students in their early career journey. Anushka is known for curating smart, concept-driven MCQs and study resources that closely align with actual exam trends.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Classify jaundice according to its aetiology. Make a tabular representation of the blood, urinary and stool findings observed in different types ofjaundice.

  2. Describe the formation, course and branches of ulnar nerve. Which muscles do each of the branches supply? Why is ulnar nerve called the "musician's nerve"? 

  3. Name the nerves and their branches that supply the sole of the foot stating the specific area of their distribution. Explain in brief what is Morton's metatarsalgia.

  4. With the help of a suitable diagram, explain the innervation and functions of muscle spindle.

  5. Describe the process of generation and conduction of nerve impulses in humans. Add a note on saltatory conduction.

  6. Using a well labelled diagram, trace the taste pathway from circumvallate papillae of tongue to the cerebral cortex.

  7. Enumerate any five tests for the assessment of renal tubular functions. Explain the underlying principle and their interpretation.

  8. Explain the role of biotin in intermediary metabolism with suitable examples. Add a note on the mechanism of action of any biotin-antagonist with its application in medicine.

  9. Define Systemic Vascular Resistance and list its determinants. Briefly explain the role of its determinants.

  10. Define cardiac output and describe the regulation of cardiac output in normal adults. Add a note on Cardiac Index and Cardiac Reserve.


Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. Write a note in 150 words
    Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits.

  2. Write a note in 150 words
    Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system.

  3. Write a note in 150 words
    Smell as a signal among non-human primates.

  4. Write a note in 150 words
    Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers.

  5. Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
681 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App