Axilskurðaðgerð

Axilskurðaðgerð, also known as axillary dissection or axillary lymph node dissection, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of lymph nodes from the axilla, commonly referred to as the armpit. This operation is typically performed as part of the treatment for breast cancer. The primary goal is to determine if cancer has spread from the breast tumor to the nearby lymph nodes. If cancer cells are found in these nodes, it can indicate a higher risk of the cancer returning or spreading to other parts of the body.

The procedure involves making an incision in the armpit area to access and remove a cluster of lymph nodes. The number of lymph nodes removed can vary depending on the specific surgical plan and the findings during the operation. Following the surgery, the removed lymph nodes are sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist. The results of this examination are crucial in staging the cancer and guiding further treatment decisions, which may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Potential complications of axilskurðaðgerð can include lymphedema, which is swelling in the arm due to impaired lymphatic drainage. Other risks may involve infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or seroma formation, which is a collection of fluid. Surgeons carefully weigh the benefits of removing lymph nodes against these potential risks when recommending the procedure. In some cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy, a less invasive procedure, may be performed first to assess lymph node involvement.