Modified radical mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast and the axillary lymph nodes. This is the most common surgery for women with breast cancer who are having the entire breast removed. Radical mastectomy is an extensive operation in which the entire breast, axillary lymph nodes and the pectoral muscles are removed. Due to removal of lymph nodes, there may be temporary or permanent limitations in arm and shoulder movement after surgery. Numbness of the upper inner arm is another common side effect, because the nerve controlling this skin sensation travels through the lymph node area.
Axillary dissection is used in as a test to help guide other treatment decisions.
If the sentinal node contains cancer, more lymph nodes are removed. If the sentinal node is free of cancer, additional lymph node surgery may be avoided. There are measures to help prevent or reduce the effects of lymphedema. Patients who have swelling, tightness or pain in the arm after lymph node surgery should notify their doctor immediately. One physical problem that may occur after treatment for breast cancer is lymphedema, or swelling of the arm due to fluid accumulation.