Expert Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Consultant in London

At Axel Head and Neck, we provide specialist Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy treatment in London for patients with head and neck cancers and selected skin cancers. This highly precise surgical procedure allows accurate cancer staging while minimising unnecessary surgery.

Led by Mr Axel Sahovaler, an experienced consultant head and neck surgeon in London, we offer advanced diagnostic and surgical care tailored to each individual patient. Our focus is always on achieving accurate results while reducing surgical impact and supporting faster recovery.

What is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?

A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

The “sentinel” lymph node is the first lymph node that cancer cells are most likely to spread to from a primary tumour. By identifying and removing this specific node for testing, your consultant can determine whether further treatment is required.

In many cases, this approach avoids the need for more extensive neck dissection surgery if the sentinel node is clear of cancer.

Why is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?

This treatment is commonly recommended for:

• Early-stage oral cavity cancer
• Selected head and neck cancers
• Certain skin cancers affecting the head and neck
• Cancer staging where lymph node involvement is uncertain

Accurate staging is critical in guiding further treatment decisions such as additional surgery, radiotherapy, or observation.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy provides highly targeted diagnostic information while reducing morbidity compared to full lymph node removal.

Benefits of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Compared to traditional elective neck dissection, this procedure offers several advantages:

• Smaller surgical incision
• Reduced risk of nerve injury
• Lower risk of shoulder dysfunction
• Less post-operative swelling
• Faster recovery time
• More precise cancer staging

For suitable patients, it represents a safer and more refined surgical approach.

Mr. Axel Sahovaler

Axel has a unique combination of training and practice in North America, working in very high-volume academic head and neck surgery centers. He has since moved to London, where he has formed a team with Professor Mark McGurk, perfecting minimally invasive techniques in salivary gland surgery. His independent practice is at London Bridge Hospital and his NHS base is at University College London Hospital where his research and teaching take place.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Before Surgery

You will attend a detailed consultation with your London head and neck consultant. Imaging and nuclear medicine mapping are performed to identify the sentinel node prior to surgery.

A small amount of tracer material is injected near the tumour site. This allows the surgeon to precisely locate the first draining lymph node.

During Surgery

Using specialised detection equipment, the identified sentinel lymph node is removed through a small incision. The node is then sent for detailed pathological examination.

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

After Surgery

Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Recovery is typically quicker than with traditional neck dissection.

Results from pathology guide whether further treatment is required.

For more information and enquiries

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Oral and Head & Neck Cancer

For patients with early oral cancer and clinically negative neck nodes, sentinel lymph node biopsy is increasingly recognised as an effective staging tool.

By accurately identifying microscopic spread, we can ensure timely treatment while avoiding overtreatment in patients whose lymph nodes are clear.

This balance between precision and preservation is central to modern head and neck cancer care.

Why Choose Axel Head and Neck in London?

Choosing the right consultant surgeon is essential when facing cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Mr Axel Sahovaler provides:

• Specialist training in head and neck oncology
• Expertise in minimally invasive and reconstructive techniques
• Personalised treatment planning
• Access to leading private hospitals in London
• Multidisciplinary collaboration with oncology specialists
• Clear, compassionate communication throughout your journey

Our practice is based in central London, with consultations available at prestigious medical facilities and surgery performed in state-of-the-art private hospitals.

Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Right for You?

Not all patients require this procedure. Suitability depends on tumour size, location, imaging results and overall health.

During your consultation, your consultant will explain:

• Whether SLNB is appropriate
• Alternative treatment options
• Risks and benefits
• Recovery expectations

Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific diagnosis.

Patient Experience and Testimonials

Many patients come to us with complex head and neck problems, and their feedback highlights our commitment to compassionate care and excellent outcomes. Patients consistently describe the reassurance, clear treatment explanations and personalised attention they receive throughout their surgical journey.

Parotid & Neck Cancer Surgery - Full Facial Nerve Preservation

Axel performed very complex cancer surgery on me, successfully removing a primary tumour deep in my parotid gland and many metastases in my neck. Through clever planning with Virtual Reality and his expert skills, he preserved my facial nerve. 6 months on, I have full facial function and it is nearly impossible to see the significant scars. The excellence of his surgery has preserved my quality of life and I have returned to regular sport. Most important to me has been Axel’s personal support, positivity and compassion as I have faced my cancer and its treatment. He has gone above and beyond all my expectations.

JB

London, UK

Life-Changing Support & Restored Hope

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr Axel for meeting me in his clinic on such a short notice. Before meeting him I was completely shattered and had lost all hope after what was communicated to me by other surgical teams. But the day I saw him in clinic, everything changed – his positivity and perspective gave me strength and renewed my faith. From the day I met him until the surgery, not a single day passed without thinking into his words of hope. I will be forever grateful to him. He gave me my life and smile back.

MB

London, UK

Oral Cancer Surgery for Our Son

Mr Sahovaler treated our son for oral cancer in 2022 and performed complex cancer and microvascular reconstructive surgery. His outstanding knowledge of his specialist area and practical surgical expertise has allowed our son to make an excellent recovery. From the outset he has shown empathy and understanding in all his contacts with our family. He took time to explain all the procedures and other relevant information in an honest and clear way so the appropriate choices were made. As medical doctors, my wife and I were apprehensive about what lay ahead but we found Mr Sahovaler’s caring and conscientious approach gave us the confidence and reassurance we needed. We cannot recommend him highly enough to patients who may need his skills, both now and in the future.

IH & KH

London, UK

Mandibular Reconstruction - Family Testimonial

Our family do not have the words to express our gratitude towards Dr Axel and his team. At a time when we were all faced with a barrage of information regarding my father’s impending complex mandibular reconstruction surgery, Dr Axel gave us the assurances we were so desperately seeking with his calm and extremely confident disposition. If you have the misfortune to find yourself diagnosed with a similar condition and requiring surgery, consider yourself very lucky to have someone like him at the helm. This man has nothing less than Hero status in our family and most likely many others!

DK

London, UK

Compassionate Care Before & After Surgery

I was Dr Axel Sahovaler’s patient from late 2022 and underwent surgery with him in April 2023. It’s difficult to put into words his professionalism, pragmatic advice, sense of humour and kindness. In our pre-op appointments Axel always listened to my concerns and answered them honestly and directly which meant I trusted his advice and guidance. Post-op his visits on the ward daily, including weekends, made me recognise that he has a genuine interest and concern for the wellbeing of his patients despite his undoubtedly busy schedule. He always made time to answer any questions I had regarding my recovery. In the early months after my discharge, Axel and his team kept in touch to monitor my progress and I felt very supported by the care he and his team provided. I feel very lucky to have had Axel as my surgeon and to have been under his care.

SS

London, UK

Surgical Oncologist – Precision, Reassurance & Excellent Outcomes

Axel Sahovaler was my Consultant Surgical Oncologist. From the moment we met on the day of my cancer diagnosis in July 2022, Mr Sahovaler was reassuring, precise and motivational in relation to my condition, as well as the prospect of my upcoming treatment. Mr Sahovaler is an excellent surgeon and I did not have any complications during or after my complex cancer surgery. During my stay in hospital, Mr Sahovaler went out of his way to listen to my concerns and provided relevant solutions. I am very grateful to have had Mr Sahovaler as my surgical oncologist during this extremely challenging part of my life and to have his expertise for my ongoing care

DH

London, UK

Book a Head and Neck Surgery Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer or a head and neck tumour and would like expert advice regarding sentinel lymph node biopsy treatment in London, we are here to help.

Contact Axel Head and Neck today to arrange a private consultation with an experienced head and neck surgery consultant.

Early, accurate staging leads to better outcomes — and peace of mind.

Explore Our Specialist Head and Neck Treatments in London

At Axel Head and Neck, we provide a comprehensive range of specialist head and neck treatments in London, delivered by an experienced consultant surgeon with advanced training in oncology and reconstructive surgery.

Our related treatment pages include:

Head and Neck Surgery

Comprehensive surgical treatment for head and neck cancer, neck lumps, salivary gland disorders and complex reconstructive needs. Learn more about our specialist consultant-led surgical care in London.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

A minimally invasive procedure used in early head and neck cancer staging to assess lymph node spread and guide further treatment decisions.

Reconstructive Microsurgery

Advanced free flap reconstruction for complex head and neck defects following cancer surgery or trauma, restoring function and appearance.

Mandibular Reconstruction

Specialist jaw reconstruction surgery to restore speech, chewing and facial symmetry after mandibular tumour removal or bone loss.

Oral Cavity Lesions

Expert assessment, biopsy and treatment of mouth ulcers, leukoplakia and early oral cancer by a London head and neck consultant.

Parotid Tumour Treatment

Specialist diagnosis and parotidectomy surgery for benign and malignant salivary gland tumours, with careful facial nerve preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck cancer?

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to determine whether head and neck cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The first lymph node likely to contain cancer cells is identified and removed for testing, helping guide further treatment decisions.

Who is suitable for sentinel lymph node biopsy in London?

This treatment is typically recommended for patients with early-stage oral cancer or selected head and neck cancers where there is no obvious lymph node involvement on scans. A specialist consultant in London will assess whether it is appropriate for your specific case.

Is sentinel lymph node biopsy better than a full neck dissection?

For suitable patients, sentinel lymph node biopsy can avoid the need for a full neck dissection if the lymph node is clear. This reduces surgical risks, recovery time and potential complications such as shoulder weakness or nerve injury.

How long does it take to recover from sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Recovery is usually quicker than traditional neck surgery. Many patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay, with mild swelling or discomfort resolving within a few weeks.

What are the risks of sentinel lymph node biopsy?

As with any surgical treatment, risks include infection, bleeding or nerve irritation. However, when performed by an experienced consultant head and neck surgeon in London, complications are uncommon.

Will I need further treatment after a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

If cancer cells are found in the sentinel node, further treatment such as additional surgery or radiotherapy may be recommended. If the node is clear, no further neck surgery is usually required.