axillary dissection

Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the underarm (axillary) area, often performed to determine if breast cancer has spread. During the operation, the surgeon carefully extracts these lymph nodes to check for cancer cells. This helps healthcare providers understand the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment. While effective, axillary dissection can lead to side effects like swelling or limited shoulder movement due to nerve or lymphatic disruption. It's typically done when necessary for accurate staging or management of breast cancer.