The history of sentinel node biopsy in head and neck cancer: From visualization of lymphatic vessels to sentinel nodes

Highlights • The cervical lymphatic system was visualized by lymphangiography or -scintigraphy. • More specific drainage patterns were visualized by peritumoral injections. • Metastases were detected by block of lymphatic flow during. • Blue dye and radiolabeled colloids were introduced to visualize the sentinel node. • After validation sentinel biopsy is now a valuable diagnostic technique.