Sentinel node biopsy is proven effective at staging the axilla for positive lymph nodes and is proven to have fewer short and long term side effects, and in particular is associated with a markedly lower risk of lymphedema (permanent arm swelling). When the sentinel lymph node(s) are negative for cancer, no axillary dissection should be performed. When one or two sentinel nodes are involved with cancer that is not extensive in the node, the patient received breast conserving surgery and is planning to receive whole breast radiation and stage appropriate systemic therapy, axillary node dissection should not be performed.

Conditions: Breast Cancer

Procedures: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection, Sentinel Node Biopsy

Treatments: Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy