Axillary node clearance
Axillary node clearance, also known as axillary lymph node dissection, is a surgical procedure commonly performed as a part of breast cancer treatment. It involves the removal of lymph nodes from the axillary (armpit) region to determine the extent of cancer spread and to aid in staging and treatment planning.
Here’s a general overview of the procedure:
Indication: Axillary node clearance is often recommended when there is a suspicion or confirmation of cancer spread to the axillary lymph nodes. It helps in determining the stage of the cancer and guides further treatment decisions.
Surgical Procedure: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the axillary region, and the surgeon carefully dissects and removes the lymph nodes present. The number of nodes removed may vary depending on the extent of cancer spread and the surgeon’s judgment.
Pathological Examination: The removed lymph nodes are sent to a pathology laboratory for thorough examination. This examination helps in determining the extent of cancer involvement in the nodes and provides crucial information for treatment planning.
Recovery: After the surgery, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and limited range of motion in the arm. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often recommended to help regain normal arm function.
Potential Complications: As with any surgical procedure, axillary node clearance carries potential risks such as infection, bleeding, seroma formation (accumulation of fluid), nerve injury, and lymphedema (swelling due to compromised lymph drainage). However, the benefits of accurate staging and treatment planning generally outweigh the risks.
Here are five medical references you can explore for more in-depth information on axillary node clearance:
American Cancer Society: Website: www.cancer.org The American Cancer Society provides comprehensive information on various cancer-related topics, including axillary node clearance.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): Website: www.nccn.org The NCCN provides guidelines for cancer care, including recommendations for axillary node clearance in breast cancer treatment.
PubMed – National Library of Medicine: Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed Search for scholarly articles and studies related to axillary node clearance. Use keywords like “axillary lymph node dissection” and “breast cancer.”
UpToDate: Website: www.uptodate.com UpToDate is a clinical decision support resource that offers detailed articles on medical procedures, including axillary node clearance.
Journal of Clinical Oncology: Website: ascopubs.org/journal/jco This peer-reviewed journal publishes research articles, reviews, and clinical studies related to oncology, including surgical procedures like axillary node clearance.
Remember that medical information can be complex, and it’s always best to consult with healthcare professionals and specialists for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.
Below is eight general Surgeons that can assist with Axillary node clearance surgery.
Dr Tendani Muthambi
Specialist General Surgeon
DR FATHIMA DOCRAT
General Surgeon
- Phone:+27 (0)11 951 0605/6
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Natasha Singh
Specialist General Surgeon
- Phone:27 (0)76 167 0982
- Email:Website from
Dr Gerhard Basson
General and Specialist surgeon
- Phone:012 652 9000
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Fusi Mosai
Specialist General Surgeon
- Phone: 066 474 1603
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Douglas Graham Ross
Specialist General Surgeon
- Phone:+2711 875 1992
- Email:[email protected]
DR AMISHA MARAJ
Specialist Surgeon
- Phone:067 944 8241
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Michael Heyns
GENERAL SURGEON
- Phone:+27(0)12 993 1160
- Email:[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Axillary node clearance procedure
🔎 Provider | ▶️ Covers Axillary node clearance | ⏩ Top Plan Covering Axillary node clearance |
🥇 Bestmed | ✅ Yes | Pace 4 |
🥈 Bonitas | ✅ Yes | BonClassic |
🥉 Cape Medical | ✅ Yes | HealthPact Silver |
🏅 CompCare | ✅ Yes | SYMMETRY |
🎖️ Discovery Health | ✅ Yes | Discovery Health Classic Delta Comprehensive |
🏆 FedHealth | ✅ Yes | FlexiFED 2 |
🥇 Genesis | ✅ Yes | Med 200 PLUS |
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed | ✅ Yes | Platinum Enhanced |
🥉 KeyHealth | ✅ Yes | Gold |
🏅 Makoti Medical | ✅ Yes | Comprehensive Option |
🎖️ Medihelp | ✅ Yes | MedElite |
🏆 Medimed | ✅ Yes | Alpha |
🥇 MedShield | ✅ Yes | PremiumPlus |
🥈 Momentum | ✅ Yes | Extender |
🥉 Suremed | ✅ Yes | Challenger |
🏅 Thebemed | ✅ Yes | Universal |