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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Were Axial Lymph Nodes Removed During Radical Mastectomy?

7.     Jill, a 35 year-old mother of 3, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy of her right breast which involved removal of several axial lymph nodes. Following the surgery, Jill noticed that her right arm would swell whenever she experienced a minor cut or wore t-shirts with restrictive sleeves. Why were the lymph nodes removed? Explain what has caused Jill’s arm to swell. In doing so, please describe the general structure and homeostatic importance of the system that is involved?
Thu, 6 Aug 2015
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hallow,

Radical mastectomy is done for cancer breast. The cancer is uncontrolled growth of the cells. These cells travel to the rest of the body by direct spread, through lymphatic system and through blood. The lymphatics of the breast drain to the axillary lymph nodes. If there is any suspicion or evidence that breast cancer has spread or in such a stage that there is good chance that it will spread to the axillary lymph nodes, then axillary lymph nodes are removed.

The lymphatic drainage of the arm and forearm goes through axillary lymph nodes. Hence when the axillary lymph nodes are removed, the lymph flow of the arm and forearm gets blocked and leads to the swelling of the arm and forearm. Unlike other swellings, this swelling does not pit on pressure and hence is known as Browny oedema.

After all such decision and step is taken to safeguard the life of the patient. The minor ailments and life threatening causes have to be weighed in the balance and accordingly the decision is taken.

I hope your doubt has been cleared.
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Why Were Axial Lymph Nodes Removed During Radical Mastectomy?

Hallow, Radical mastectomy is done for cancer breast. The cancer is uncontrolled growth of the cells. These cells travel to the rest of the body by direct spread, through lymphatic system and through blood. The lymphatics of the breast drain to the axillary lymph nodes. If there is any suspicion or evidence that breast cancer has spread or in such a stage that there is good chance that it will spread to the axillary lymph nodes, then axillary lymph nodes are removed. The lymphatic drainage of the arm and forearm goes through axillary lymph nodes. Hence when the axillary lymph nodes are removed, the lymph flow of the arm and forearm gets blocked and leads to the swelling of the arm and forearm. Unlike other swellings, this swelling does not pit on pressure and hence is known as Browny oedema. After all such decision and step is taken to safeguard the life of the patient. The minor ailments and life threatening causes have to be weighed in the balance and accordingly the decision is taken. I hope your doubt has been cleared.