Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the armpit area, often performed during breast cancer surgery to determine if the cancer has spread. There are three levels of axillary lymph nodes, and recovery time is usually four to six weeks with possible complications such as loss of sensation or arm swelling.
The term axillary dissection refers to a surgical procedure in which the armpit (armpit area) is opened to expose and remove the small glands found there. The small glands found in the armpit area are often called lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are an integral part of the lymphatic system because they are responsible for filtering fluid from cells. This filtered fluid is then added back into the bloodstream to be circulated throughout the body.
An axillary node dissection is often performed during breast cancer surgery. This procedure is done to determine how far the cancer has spread. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, there’s a chance it could spread throughout the body via the lymphatic system. The best result would be to find no cancer in the lymph nodes that are removed.
There are three levels of axillary lymph nodes. These levels are determined by noting their location in relation to the pectoralis minor muscle. This muscle is on the front of the chest. It starts at the third, fourth and fifth rib and works its way up to the top of the shoulder.
Level one axillary lymph nodes are located along the inferior border of the pectoralis minor muscle. Level two nodes are under this muscle and level three nodes are on the upper edge of the muscle. An axillary dissection usually involves taking lymph nodes from level one and level two. If the surgeon suspects advanced breast cancer, he may also remove lymph nodes at level three.
It is common practice to perform an axillary dissection under general anesthesia. Typically, the surgeon will make a small two to three inch (5.08-7.62 cm) incision in the crease of the armpit. Then it will remove the fatty tissue that contains the lymph nodes. This tissue is sent to a laboratory where lymph nodes will be extracted and tested for cancerous cells.
Recovery time after an axillary dissection is usually four to six weeks. During this time, the affected arm should be massaged and given gentle range of motion exercises. Great care must be taken to avoid cuts or other injuries to the surgical arm. The surgeon may also have the individual wear a compression garment on the affected arm to prevent swelling.
Complications can sometimes occur after an axillary dissection. Some individuals have reported a loss of sensation in the back of the arm and in the armpit. Arm swelling is another complication that can occur after axillary lymph node dissection. Occasionally, the veins running up the arm can become inflamed or a blood clot can develop in the vein. In most cases, these complications are easily treated.
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