Axillary lymph node Clearance / Dissection (ALND)
Introduction
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was a standard surgical procedure performed during breast cancer surgery to remove the axillary nodes in the axilla as part of treatment for breast cancer staging and also provide local control of disease of the axilla.
The number of axillary nodes involved is a significant prognostic variable in patients with breast cancer as it remains an important predictor of recurrence and survival.
A conventional ALND usually removes nodes in levels 1 & 2 of the axilla.
- Level 1 – the lowest level, below the lower edge of the pectoralis minor muscle.
- Level 2 – the area underneath the pectoralis minor muscle
- Level 3 – the area above pectoralis minor muscle
ALND surgery common side effects
- Loss or reduced sensation in the back and inner of the arm and armpit area.
- Tingling, numbness, stiffness and weakness to the arm after surgery. These symptoms can be restored with physiotherapy and gentle exercise.
- Axillary Web Cording*
- Breast cancer related Lymphedema*
< Back to Breast Cancer Treatment : Surgery