What is axillary node dissection?
Axillary node dissection is the surgical removal of some or all of the lymph nodes under a woman s arm. Axillary node dissections are usually performed on women who undergo mastectomy or lumpectomy. After surgery, the axillary lymph nodes are examined under a microscope to determine whether the cancer has spread past the breast and to evaluate treatment options. The most common side effect of axillary node dissection is lymphedema, chronic swelling of the arm (though lymphedema occurs in less than 10% of breast cancer patients).
