Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which includes vessels, organs, and other tissues. Here are some key points about lymph nodes in the context of breast cancer:
- Function: Lymph nodes help remove germs and waste products from the body and filter out cancer cells from the lymphatic system
- Cancer Spread: One Show Full Answer
Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which includes vessels, organs, and other tissues. Here are some key points about lymph nodes in the context of breast cancer:
- Function: Lymph nodes help remove germs and waste products from the body and filter out cancer cells from the lymphatic system.
- Cancer Spread: One of the main ways cancer metastasizes (spreads) is through the lymphatic system. In breast cancer, the first lymph nodes affected are usually in the armpit or chest.
- Diagnosis and Staging: Doctors remove lymph nodes to check for cancer cells, which helps determine the stage of breast cancer and the best treatment options.
- Types of Lymph Node Removal:
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Involves removing one to three sentinel nodes, which are the first nodes to which cancer might spread. A negative SLNB indicates localized cancer, while a positive SLNB suggests metastasis.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND): Involves removing more lymph nodes (up to 40, but usually fewer than 20) from the underarm area. This procedure is recommended if previous tests show cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
- Procedure: To find a sentinel node, a surgeon injects a colored dye or radioactive substance near the tumor. This substance travels to the sentinel nodes, which are then removed and checked for cancer.
- Side Effects: The type of lymph node removal procedure affects the side effects experienced. Removing many lymph nodes can lead to additional side effects and is less common now.
- Importance: Lymph nodes are crucial for the immune system as they contain white blood cells that fight infection, such as T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:
- [Lymph Node Removal for Breast Cancer: What To Expect](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/lymph-node-r...)
- [Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/treatments/sentinel-no...)
- [Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/treatments/axillary-ly...)
July 26, 2024
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