Lymph Node Surgery: What to Know
When breast cancer is diagnosed, your care team may need to find out whether it has spread to the lymph nodes under your arm (called axillary lymph nodes). This helps determine the stage of your cancer and guides your treatment plan.
Sometimes testing is done on your lymph nodes before surgery, but many people still need to have surgery to check the lymph nodes for cancer. Lymph nodes can be removed during your breast surgery or as a separate procedure. There are two main types of lymph node surgery.
Lymphatic System and Associated Anatomical Landmarks
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
This procedure removes one or a few lymph nodes to check for signs of cancer. It’s often done when cancer is caught early and there’s no clear evidence that it has spread.
Even if cancer is found in the lymph nodes, many individuals will not need additional surgery. Instead, radiation will be recommended to destroy the cancer cells.
Involves fewer lymph nodes
Lowers the risk of long-term side effects like swelling (lymphedema)
It is enough on its own if no cancer is found in the nodes
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
If tests show the cancer has reached the lymph nodes, your surgeon may remove more of them. This typically happens during your mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Removes more lymph nodes from under the arm
Helps lower the risk for local recurrence if there is nodal involvement
Increases the chance of side effects like lymphedema
Talking with Your Provider About Lymphedema
Because removing additional lymph nodes increases your risk of lymphedema, it’s important to have a clear conversation with your care team. Consider asking:
- What is my personal risk of developing lymphedema?
- How will you monitor or check for early signs?
- Are there activities I should avoid on the side where lymph nodes were removed?
- Are there steps I can take to help lower my risk?
Learn more about symptoms and treatment options on the Lymphedema page.
