Understanding Lymph Node Surgery

Lymph node surgery is an important part of diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Cancer cells often spread first to the lymph nodes located in the underarm (axilla). Evaluating these lymph nodes helps determine whether cancer has spread and guides treatment planning. There are two primary types of lymph node surgery used in breast cancer care: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) and Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND).

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to identify and remove the first lymph node or nodes most likely to receive cancer cells from the breast. A tracer, such as a blue dye or radioactive material, is injected into the breast to locate these nodes. Removing only a small number of lymph nodes reduces surgical risk while still providing critical staging information.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)

Axillary lymph node dissection may be recommended when cancer is found in the sentinel lymph nodes or when more extensive evaluation is needed. This procedure involves removing multiple lymph nodes from the underarm to assess the extent of cancer spread. While effective, ALND carries a higher risk of side effects and is used selectively based on individual patient factors.

Potential Side Effects

  • Lymphedema, or swelling caused by fluid buildup in the arm or chest
  • Reduced arm or shoulder mobility
  • Numbness or tingling due to nerve irritation

Your surgical team works closely with rehabilitation specialists to minimize these risks and support recovery.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

Diagnoses We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Lymph node surgery helps determine if and how far breast cancer has spread, guiding decisions about additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.

SLNB involves removing only the first draining lymph node(s), while ALND removes multiple lymph nodes for a more thorough evaluation—usually if cancer is already detected in the sentinel nodes.

Not always. If sentinel nodes are cancer-free, no further surgery is needed. If cancer is found, your surgeon will determine whether ALND is necessary based on your specific case.

Lymphedema occurs in about 3–7% of SLNB patients and up to 30% of ALND patients. Early intervention and physical therapy help manage or prevent this condition.