If the node contains cancer, then the doctor will perform an axillary dissection, which is the removal of the underarm lymph nodes. If the node is cancer-free, the patient can avoid lymph node surgery and its possible side effects. Whenever the axillary lymph nodes are removed, the patient may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the skin on the inside of the upper arm. She may also develop lymphedema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the upper arm that causes swelling. A doctor can suggest ways to avoid lymphedema or at least to keep it under control.
Doctors can administer radiation therapy in two ways.
With external beam radiation therapy, radiation is given in the form of a beam aimed at the cancer from a machine outside the body. With brachytherapy, or internal radiation, small amounts of radioactive material placed inside the body near the tumor to kill the cancer cells. For breast cancer, radiation therapy is given to shrink a tumor before surgery, or to destroy any remaining cells after surgery. Side effects of external beam radiation therapy may include sunburn-like skin changes in the treated area, swelling or heaviness in the breast, and fatigue. These changes usually go away in 6 to 12 months.