Which axilla is commonly staged with a sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer evaluation?

In breast cancer evaluation, the ipsilateral axilla is typically staged using sentinel node biopsy. This involves identifying the first lymph node or nodes (sentinel nodes) that drain lymphatic fluid from the breast tumor. Since breast cancer often spreads to the lymph nodes closest to the site of the primary tumor, targeting the ipsilateral axilla allows for a more accurate assessment of whether cancer has metastasized to these nearby lymph nodes.

The sentinel node biopsy procedure is minimally invasive and can provide critical information regarding the extent of cancer spread, which is essential for treatment planning. If the sentinel nodes are free of cancer, it may be possible to avoid more extensive axillary lymph node dissection, reducing potential complications and side effects.

In contrast, the contralateral axilla does not provide relevant information about the cancer in the breast being evaluated, and targeting the subclavian region is not standard practice for assessing breast cancer spread. Thus, focusing on the ipsilateral axilla ensures that the evaluation is directly related to the tumor's potential spread.