Said differently, it breast cancer is going to spread throughout the body, the majority the majority will do so by invading the lymphatics first. Both the modified radical mastectomy and the lumpectomy operation use lymph node resection as a major part of the operation. You can also see why the presence or absence of lymph node spread makes such a big difference in breast cancer staging and chemotherapy . Any deviations from this standard of care should be performed on a protocol with separate IRB approval and with a fully informed patient. However, the role of axillary dissection has become a controversial subject with many clinicians advocating eliminating this procedure in many subgroups of women with breast cancer.
Women are more aware of the morbidity that can be associated with an axillary node dissection.
This can be particularly frustrating for the patient and the physician, since there is not a current day effective treatment for this disorder. Elastic support stockings, massage therapy and sequential compression devices have been used to decrease the swelling, but most women re-develop the lymphedema when they have their arm down for any significant period of time. These women can also get into a circle of side effects with an axillary dissection. If lymphedema develops, the patients are more prone to infection. The infection may be difficult to treat, many times requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics.