Surgical options
Lymph-node surgery checks for spread with as little surgery as appropriate.
Lymph-node evaluation helps determine whether breast cancer has spread to the nodes under the arm. This information affects staging and the treatments that may follow.
The goal is to obtain the information needed while limiting the extent of surgery where that is appropriate.
Sentinel lymph-node biopsy
Sentinel lymph-node biopsy removes a limited number of selected nodes — the first nodes that drain the breast — to check whether cancer is present. It is often used when the nodes do not appear clearly involved before surgery.
Axillary lymph-node dissection
Axillary lymph-node dissection removes a larger group of nodes from under the arm. It may be required in some circumstances, depending on the findings before and during surgery.
How the extent is decided
The extent of lymph-node surgery should be discussed in relation to tumor stage, imaging, any treatment given before surgery and current clinical guidance. The appropriate approach differs between patients.
Lymphedema and other effects
More extensive lymph-node surgery carries a higher risk of arm swelling (lymphedema) and other effects such as reduced shoulder movement, numbness or discomfort.
Ask how the risk applies in your case, how lymphedema is monitored, and what can be done to reduce and manage it.
Questions for your surgical team
- Which lymph-node procedure is being recommended, and why?
- Could a more limited procedure be appropriate?
- How will the result affect further treatment?
- What is the risk of lymphedema, and how is it managed?
- Who will monitor for lymphedema after I return home?