Molly,

All lymph nodes are grouped in chains, or sequential lines of attached nodes. The logic behind the sentinel node concept is if the first node in a particular chain isn't involved, and contains no cancer cells, those nodes further down the same chain will be clean also. Disease does not skip over nodes but is transferred in sequence further and further down the chain as it progresses. The first node in a chain is the "sentinel " node.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.