Sentinel Lymph Node Surgery: Malignancy Related Surgery

If you experience a complication involving a malignant tumor, there is a high probability that you understand the degree to which the cancer can negatively impact the quality of your life. In preparing for surgery and post-operative treatment, involving removal of the cancerous tumor, it is important to understand the dynamics of your surgery.

As part of the surgical removal of your tumor, if the malignant tumor is located in proximity to your lymph nodes, your surgeon may want to perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Because the lymph nodes are usually the first area to experience drainage of fluid from the cancerous tumor, the lymph nodes will be removed and tested as part of your cancer staging process.

When lymph nodes are removed, our first inclination is to believe the immune system may be compromised. While this is true to some extent, for the most part, your lymphatic system will make the necessary adjustments naturally. However, in the days following removal of the malignant tumor, and the sentinel lymph node biopsy, you may notice some swelling around the area where the lymph node was removed. This swelling is normal due to the change in the lymph node function and make-up.

In addition you may also notice some numbness or paralysis to the surgical area. While this is generally considered to be temporary, in some patients, the complication may be the result of permanent nerve damage which can not be avoided during surgery.

Most often, sentinel lymph node surgery is completed in those individuals who experience complications involving breast surgery. From breast cysts, to breast lipomas to breast cancer, women who undergo any type of lump or tumor removal, generally undergo removal of the lymph nodes in proximity to the tumor site.