Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Introduction

Lymph is a body fluid that contains white blood cells and proteins. It travels through the body in lymphatic channels (like blood vessels) and brings the lymph through lymph nodes. The nodes filter out bacteria, cancer cells, and waste materials from the lymph so they do not get into the bloodstream. A lot of the lymph from the tissues and skin in the arm and chest drain into the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit area). 

The axillary lymph nodes may be removed if the cancer has already spread to the nodes or they may be removed in order to examine them under a microscope to see if the cancer has spread from the original tumor site as part of the diagnosis and staging process.

Cancer cells found in the lymph nodes suggest that it may have spread to other parts of the body and the patient may need more aggressive treatment. The results of this test help you and your physician plan the best course of therapy.

What Happens During Surgery?

• Axillary node dissection is performed under general anesthesia
• The surgeon makes an incision under the arm and removes a pad of fat in which an average of 10 to 20 lymph nodes are embedded
• The incision is sutured and a drain may be put in to remove excess fluid
• The procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours