Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
If the sentinel lymph node shows the presence of cancer, then your surgeon removes additional lymph nodes from your armpit (axilla). During this procedure 10 or more lymph nodes are removed. They are looked at under the microscope by the pathologist to see whether cancer cells are present. Knowing whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes is important in determining the best course of treatment, including whether you’ll need chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
After the procedure, most patients stay 1 to 2 days in the hospital. You will have a small drain coming through your skin to help prevent fluid from collecting. The nurses will teach you how to care for your drain when you are home. The drain will be removed by your surgeon in the office.
The removal of these lymph nodes does increase the risk of serious arm swelling (lymphedema), but newer surgical techniques make this complication much less likely. If lymphedema occurs, referral to a lymphedema specialist will be scheduled.
Page last updated on Apr. 03, 2009