What Is Axillary Lymph Node Surgery?
Axillary lymph node surgery is a process of removing the lymph nodes from the armpit (axillary) area. The lymph nodes are responsible for filtering out material like cancer cells. They are a logical place to look for breast cancer cells that have escaped from the original tumor. The presence or absence of cancer in the axillary lymph nodes is one of the major factors used to determine the extent (stage) of a patient’s cancer, and to plan for treatment.
Candidates for Axillary Lymph Node Surgery
Axillary lymph node dissection may be recommended to:
- Patients with inflammatory breast cancer
- Patients with one or two positive sentinel nodes who plan to have a mastectomy with no radiation
- Patients whose cancer is 5 cm or larger, or is locally advanced
- Patients with one or two positive sentinel nodes who plan to have a lumpectomy with no radiation
- Pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer
- Patients with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) treated with a lumpectomy
Axillary lymph node surgery can be performed traditionally or laparoscopically. The laparoscopic approach involves using very small incisions and special tools. A small camera called a laparoscope provides the surgeon with video images of the treatment site, eliminating the need for larger incisions used during open surgery. Our surgeons can determine if laparoscopic surgery is right for you.
There are three levels of axillary lymph nodes. Level I lymph nodes lay below the lower edge of the pectoralis minor muscle. Level II lymph nodes are underneath the pectoralis minor muscle. Level III lymph nodes are above the pectoralis minor muscle.
Axillary lymph nodes lay at three different depths.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
When possible, our surgeons prefer to perform axillary node dissections using laparoscopic techniques rather than traditional surgery techniques. Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits over traditional open surgery:
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Shorter overall recovery time
- Small, discreet scars
- Minimized discomfort
- Minimized risk of infection
Risks of traditional axillary dissection that may be reduced with laparoscopic surgery include:
- Lost or decreased sensation in back of the arm or armpit
- Tingling, numbness, stiffness, or weakness of arm
- Inflammation of arm veins going through armpit area
- Increased risk of infection
Our surgeons have been performing minimally invasive procedures for more than 30 years, so patients can be assured that the care our surgeons provide is steeped in considerable experience and expertise.
Schedule a Consultation Today
The health, safety, comfort, and well-being of our patients is of paramount importance to our surgeons and staff. Contact our office today to find out if laparoscopic axillary lymph node surgery is the best treatment option for you.