What is the association between breast cancer and axillary lymph nodes?
Breast cancer frequently spreads to the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes. Traditionally, when breast cancers were removed, an operation known as axillary lymph node dissection was performed to remove most of the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Which lymph node group is most commonly involved in breast cancer?
Axillary lymph node involvement is the most significant and durable prognostic factor for women with breast cancer.
Why are axillary lymph nodes removed in breast cancer?
Early theories of breast-cancer metastasis held that cancer cells that had broken free from the main tumor would first travel through these lymph nodes on their way to other organs. That led doctors to believe that removing the axillary lymph nodes could reduce the risk of both cancer recurrence and metastases.
How does breast cancer affect the lymphatic system?
Breast cancer and lymph nodes Sometimes, cancer can spread through the lymphatic system. If breast cancer cells spread outside the breast, they are most likely to go to lymph nodes in the armpit. You will usually have tests to look for cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
Can cancer start in the axillary lymph nodes?
When these filter points are in the armpit, doctors call them axillary lymph nodes. As axillary lymph nodes are near the breasts, they are often the first location to which breast cancer spreads if it moves beyond the breast tissue.
What is an axillary lymph node?
Listen to pronunciation. (AK-sih-LAYR-ee limf node) A lymph node in the armpit region that drains lymph from the breast and nearby areas.
Are axillary lymph nodes cancerous?
Cancer is in the internal mammary nodes and one or more axillary lymph nodes. Four or more axillary lymph nodes are cancerous, and internal mammary nodes have micrometastases. Testing discovered cancerous nodes above the clavicle.
What is axillary lymph nodes?
What is axillary lymph node cancer?
As axillary lymph nodes are near the breasts, they are often the first location to which breast cancer spreads if it moves beyond the breast tissue. The number of axillary lymph nodes can vary from person to person, ranging from five nodes to more than 30.
Can axillary lymph nodes be benign?
Also called axillary adenopathy or armpit lump, axillary lymphadenopathy occurs when your underarm (axilla) lymph nodes grow larger in size. While this condition may be concerning, it’s usually attributed to a benign cause. It may also be temporary.
What does axillary lymph nodes mean?
What is the cure for lymph node cancer?
The treatment of lymph node cancer also depends on the type of lymphoma and the stage it has progressed to. As stated earlier, the general health of the person also matters a lot. The treatment may include several options like radiation therapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, surgery etc.
What happens when cancer spreads to lymph nodes?
When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes it may make them swell up. The swollen lymph nodes are easy to see if they are near the surface of the body – for example, in the neck or under the arm. But if the nodes are deeper in the body, they can only be seen on a scan. Cancer in the lymph nodes may not cause any symptoms.
What causes enlarged breast lymph nodes?
Several mechanisms can cause the lymph nodes to enlarge (swell). Infection (lymphadenitis): This can increase the number of white blood cells, which multiply in response to stimulation with a foreign substance (antigen). Swollen lymph nodes under the arm (in the armpit) can occur due to infection or injury to the arm or hand.
Where are lymph nodes in the breast area?
The central axillary lymph nodes are located inside the adipose tissue near the armpit’s base. Breast cancer initially develops as a lump in the breast, but often spreads to the axillary lymph nodes, which allows it to access the lymphatic system and travel to other areas of the body.