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Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Diagnostic Evaluation of Breast Cancer
If the results are negative, it is assumed that the cancer has not spread and there is no need for further surgery. If the sentinel node is positive, the surgeon may perform an axillary node dissection to assess how many other lymph nodes are affected. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with lumpectomy (removal of the suspicious lump).
Because sentinel node biopsy removes fewer lymph nodes than axillary lymph node dissection, many patients have no side effects. However, 5% of patients who undergo this procedure develop a condition called lymphedema which causes swelling of the arm on the affected side. Sometimes, the swelling is temporary, but sometimes it can persist.
