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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Breast Cancer: Lymph Node Surgery for Staging Cancer

Breast Cancer: Lymph Node Surgery for Staging Cancer

Overview

If breast cancer spreads, it often goes to the lymph nodes first. Lymph node surgery is done to find out if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

The types of lymph node surgery for breast cancer are:

Sentinel node biopsy.
In a sentinel node biopsy, the doctor removes the first lymph nodes that cancer may have spread to (sentinel nodes). If cancer is found in only one or two nodes, you may not need to have more lymph nodes removed.
Axillary node dissection.
In an axillary node dissection, the doctor will usually remove most of the lymph nodes in the armpit area (axillary nodes).

You may have lymph node surgery at the same time as a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. People with very early breast cancer, such as ductal carcinoma in situ, may not need lymph node testing.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Related Links

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Breast Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent Breast Cancer

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