Minimally invasive lymph node dissection in breast cancer has advantages over conventional surgery
Friday, November 9, 2012 - 17:30
in Health & Medicine
Axillary lymph node dissection is done in conjunction with lumpectomy or mastectomy to determine if breast cancer has spread to the adjoining lymph nodes. The conventional surgical approach leaves a surgical scar that is unattractive and can restrict range of motion in the shoulder joint. Also, squeezing and pulling the tumor during the breast operation can stimulate tumor cell metastases. A new study reports that an endoscopic technique, mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection, can reduce these complications.