AXILLARY LYMPH NODES AND ARM LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE PATHWAYS ARE SPARED DURING ROUTINE COMPLETE AXILLARY CLEARANCE IN MAJORITY OF WOMEN UNDERGOING BREAST CANCER SURGERY

A Szuba, A Chachaj, M Koba- Wszedybylb, R Hawro, R Jasinski, R Tarkowski, K Szewczyk, M Bebenek, J Forgacz, A Jodkowska, D Jedrzejuk, D Janczak, M Mrozinska, U Pilch, M Wozniewski

Abstract


Alterations in axillary lymph nodes(ALNs) after complete axillary lymph nodedissection (ALND) in comparison to thepreoperative status were evaluated usinglymphoscintigraphy performed preoperativelyand 1-6 weeks after surgery in 30 women witha new diagnosis of unilateral, invasive breastcarcinoma. Analysis of lymphoscintigramsrevealed that ALNs after surgery were presentin 26 of 30 examined women. In comparisonto preoperative status, they were visualizedin the same location (12 women), in thesame and additionally in different locations(9 women), or only in different locations(4 women). No lymph nodes were visualized inone woman and lymphocoele were in 4 women.Thus, after ALND, a variable number ofaxillary lymph nodes remain and were visualizedon lymphoscintigraphy in the majorityof women. The classical ALND, therefore,does not allow complete dissection andremoval of axillary nodes with total disruptionof axillary lymphatic pathways, accounting inpart for the variable incidence and severity oflymphedema after the procedure.

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