What are some long term complications of an axillary dissection?
Axillary complications after surgery for breast carcinoma are well recognized and include wound infections, lymphedema of the arm, limitation of arm movement, lymphangitis, and arm numbness.
What complication may occur in the upper limb following removal of the axillary lymph nodes?
About Lymphedema If this happens, lymphatic fluid can build up in the area where the lymph nodes were removed. This extra fluid causes swelling called lymphedema. Lymphedema can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso on your affected side (the side where your lymph nodes were removed).
What is the anatomical location of the axillary lymph nodes?
The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are located on the lower part of the armpit’s posterior (rear) wall. The apical and pectoral nodes are located respectively on the upper and lower parts of the pectoralis minor, a thin, flat muscle of the chest.
What are the side effects of having lymph nodes removed?
Side effects of lymph node removal
- Wound pain. Most people will have some pain after the operation, which usually improves as the wound heals.
- Neck/shoulder/hip stiffness and pain. These are the most common problems if lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin were removed.
- Seroma/lymphocele.
- Lymphoedema.
What are the long-term effects of having lymph nodes removed?
Lymphedema. A possible long-term effect of lymph node surgery is swelling in the arm or chest called lymphedema. Because any excess fluid in the arms normally travels back into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system, removing the lymph nodes sometimes blocks drainage from the arm, causing this fluid to build up.
What happens if you remove axillary lymph nodes?
When lymph nodes are removed, the liquid they store (lymph) can begin to collect in the area. More lymph nodes are removed with ALND, which raises the risk of lymphedema. Patients with lymphedema are more likely to have an infection in the affected arm. Patients must carefully watch for swelling or changes.
How many lymph nodes are removed during axillary dissection?
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) In this procedure, anywhere from about 10 to 40 (though usually less than 20) lymph nodes are removed from the area under the arm (axilla) and checked for cancer spread.
What are the possible complications of axillary dissection?
A slight risk of wound infection exists after breast surgery, which may result in wound breakdown. Hematoma generally develops within 24 hours after the operation. It is a very rare complication. Patients may notice swelling of the wound site and bruising over the breast or axilla.
What are the boundaries of the left axilla?
The boundaries of the left axilla on cross-section. m, Muscle. ( Reproduced, with permission, from Petrek JA, Blackwood MM. Axillary dissection: current practice and technique.
What is the axillary lymph node dissection used for?
Evaluation of the axilla provides information for treatment decisions in patients with invasive breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection is the standard initial approach for breast cancer patients who are clinically node positive.
Where does the dissection of the axillary vein take place?
Dissection is carried superiorly along the edge of the pectoralis minor to reach the inferior edge of the axillary vein. Once the axillary vein is identified, this is followed medially to reach the axillary apex, where the axillary vein crosses the lateral border of the first rib.