Which of the following is NOT a possible complication of a sentinel node biopsy?

• A. Infection at the biopsy site
• B. Severe allergic reaction to anesthesia
• C. Chronic pain in the breast
• D. Lymphedema

Answer: (C)

In the context of a sentinel node biopsy, chronic pain in the breast is indeed considered a less common complication compared to the others listed. While any surgical procedure can potentially lead to chronic pain in the affected area, it is not a direct or typical complication associated specifically with sentinel node biopsy.

Sentinel node biopsy primarily involves the removal of one or more sentinel lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. While infection at the biopsy site, severe allergic reactions to anesthesia, and lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid obstruction) are recognized complications that can occur directly as a result of the procedure, chronic pain is more variable and not as directly linked.

Lymphedema, for instance, can occur if lymphatic drainage is disrupted, which is a more direct complication of lymph node removal. Similarly, an infection can arise from any surgical intervention, and reactions to anesthesia, while less common, are serious and can happen during any surgical procedure. Thus, while chronic pain can occur, it is not classified under immediate complications that are commonly observed in sentinel node biopsy, making it the correct choice for the question asked.