Why is it done?
An enlarged node may be inflammation, or it may need a biopsy to find the cause. In cancer surgery the nearby nodes are assessed to see whether the tumour has reached them.
Forms of surgery
- Biopsy of a single node for diagnosis.
- Sentinel-node removal in some breast and skin tumours.
- Clearance of a group of nodes when they are involved.
After the operation
Wound care, signs of limb swelling, and the date of the pathology result that sets the next step are all explained.
The explainer video will be added soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does an enlarged node mean cancer?
Not always. Infection is a common cause. A biopsy is requested when the node does not settle or concern remains.
Can node removal cause arm swelling?
It can after an axillary clearance, and the risk is lower when only the sentinel node is removed. Prevention and follow-up advice is given.
Is a biopsy enough, or is a wider removal needed?
A biopsy is for diagnosis. A wider removal is decided from the result, the site of the nodes and any known tumour.