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Contents
  • Understanding Lymph Node Involvement
  • Types of Lymph Nodes Affected
  • Impacts on Treatment

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Lymph Nodes

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Lymph Nodes

The Big Picture

Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, and understanding this process is vital for effective treatment. Let's explore how lymph nodes are involved in breast cancer and what this means for patients.
Contents
  • Understanding Lymph Node Involvement
  • Types of Lymph Nodes Affected
  • Impacts on Treatment

Understanding Lymph Node Involvement

Lymph nodes are small structures that filter substances in a fluid called lymph and help fight infection. In breast cancer, these nodes can become pathways for the cancer to spread. The axillary lymph nodes, located in the armpit, are most commonly affected, receiving about 85% of the breast's lymphatic drainage. Tumor size and location influence the likelihood of lymph node involvement, with larger and laterally located tumors being more likely to spread.

Types of Lymph Nodes Affected

Besides axillary nodes, other lymph nodes like internal mammary and supraclavicular nodes can also be involved. Internal mammary nodes are more likely to be affected if the tumor is located medially in the breast. Supraclavicular nodes, found near the collarbone, are often involved when there's extensive spread in the axillary nodes.
Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, which plays a critical role in the disease's progression and treatment strategies.

Impacts on Treatment

When breast cancer spreads to lymph nodes, it can change the course of treatment. Treatments may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and the decision is based on the extent of lymph node involvement. For instance, if only a few nodes are affected, less extensive surgery might be possible, while more nodes may require comprehensive therapy.

FAQs

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small structures that filter lymph fluid and help fight infections.

Why do lymph nodes matter in breast cancer?

They can indicate how far cancer has spread and influence treatment decisions.

Which lymph nodes are most affected?

Axillary lymph nodes are most commonly affected in breast cancer.

Does tumor size affect lymph node spread?

Yes, larger tumors are more likely to spread to lymph nodes.

Key Takeaways

Understanding lymph node involvement in breast cancer is crucial for tailoring the best treatment plan.
Talk to Doctronic to learn more about lymph nodes and breast cancer management.
Additional References
  1. Fein DA, Fowble BL, Hanlon AL. Identification of women with T1-T2 breast cancer at low risk of positive axillary nodes. J Surg Oncol 1997; 65:34.
  2. McGee JM, Youmans R, Clingan F. The value of axillary dissection in T1a breast cancer. Am J Surg 1996; 172:501.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.