Related Experiment Videos
Axillary lymphadenectomy--just how radical should it be?
1Spital Limmattal, Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Schlieren, Switzerland.
Surgical Oncology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
The number of lymph nodes removed during breast cancer surgery does not significantly impact axillary recurrence rates. Focus on anatomical landmarks, not just lymph node count, for effective axillary clearance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Axillary lymph node status is critical in breast cancer staging and treatment.
- The extent of axillary dissection is a key factor in local recurrence control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the number of lymph nodes extirpated and local axillary recurrences in breast cancer patients.
- To assess the relationship between lymph node yield and the percentage of positive histological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 779 breast cancer cases.
- Examination of lymph node counts ranging from 1 to 42 per axilla.
Main Results:
- A 5.5% axillary recurrence rate was observed with minimal correlation to the number of lymph nodes removed.
- Insignificant correlation found between lymph node yield and the percentage of positive histological findings.
- Trend analysis indicated minimal change in positive findings whether fewer than five or over 20 lymph nodes were extirpated.
Conclusions:
- The number of lymph nodes extirpated is not a reliable indicator of the radicality of axillary clearance.
- Surgeons should prioritize anatomical boundaries over lymph node count for effective axillary dissection.