Removal of Lymph Nodes - Sampling / Clearance
Date issued: November 2025
Review date: November 2027
Leaflet section: Breast Care
PDF: Removal of Lymph Nodes - Sampling_Clearance.pdf [pdf] 147KB
West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening Service
When an invasive breast cancer is diagnosed it is standard procedure to remove lymph nodes. The procedure will be carried out at the same time as your breast surgery either through the same or a separate incision (cut).
Lymph nodes drain and filter fluid tissue from the breast and arm. Sometimes breast cancer cells can spread via drainage channels to the lymph nodes. It is important to have this information in order to plan further treatment(s). The type of lymph node surgery will be discussed with you by your surgeon or Breast Care Nurse.
Before Surgery
-
You will be medically assessed before your operation.
-
The doctor will ask you to sign an electronic consent form. This will state the operation you are having, and it is important you understand it before signing. The side of your operation will be marked by an arrow with indelible pen prior to your surgery.
-
You will be asked by the doctor if you consent for any tissue/fluid samples to be used for evaluation purposes, research, or quality control.
-
You will be seen by an anaesthetist who will discuss with you any previous anaesthetics you have had, and any side effects you have suffered e.g., sickness.
After Surgery
-
The wound will be covered with a clear, waterproof dressing called Opsite. This will normally be removed 7-10 days after surgery.
-
The stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
-
You will have one or more drainage tubes in place. These help with the healing process by draining excess fluid.
-
Your surgeon will decide when the tubes are removed. You will be allowed home with your drain(s) in place and return to the Primrose Unit for removal.
-
Your axilla (armpit) and inner arm may have changed sensation and/or you may experience some numbness. This will improve to some extent over the weeks/months after your surgery, but some residual numbness or altered sensation may always be present.
-
Your axilla and shoulder may be painful, and you should take regular painkillers. You will not cause any damage by moving your shoulder/arm. It is very important to get back to full shoulder movement as soon as possible to prevent a frozen shoulder occurring, which can be a real problem.
-
Your Breast Care Nurse will advise you about exercising your arm and shoulder and give you a booklet of exercises.
-
You will receive a follow-up appointment to discuss your results from the pathology report and any further treatment that may be needed.
Advice after Discharge
-
You will be given a separate ‘discharge advice’ sheet when you leave hospital. Please follow the guidelines for removal of dressing.
-
Once the dressing has been removed you may continue to shower/bath. Do not use bubble bath, sprays, talc or deodorant near the wound until healed as this may cause skin irritation.
-
If you notice any inflammation, swelling or discharge from the wound, contact your GP or Breast Care Nurse.
-
Continue with your arm and shoulder exercises and take pain relief as you feel necessary. (Do not exceed the recommended dose).
-
It is quite common for fluid to build up under the skin near the wound, this is called Seroma. If it becomes uncomfortable contact your GP or Breast Care Nurse. This is not an emergency. Please do no contact the Emergency Department. The fluid may need to be aspirated and this will be done at an outpatient in the Primrose Breast Care Centre, Monday to Friday only.
-
Try to use your arm on the operated side normally but avoid heavy lifting for the first four weeks.
-
You can start driving again when you have good arm and shoulder movement, usually within 3 weeks.
Cording
Following axillary surgery, some women may develop a sensation which feels like a tight cord running down from the armpit to elbow, or to the back of your hand. This is called ‘cording’. It can appear six to eight weeks following surgery or many months afterwards.
You may actually be able to feel raised cord-like structures that can significantly restrict your arm movement. Please contact your Breast Care Nurse who will give you a specific exercise regime to follow. Cording usually gets better and the symptoms go away.
You will be given written information on how to reduce the risk of this, and what to do should it happen.
Breast Care Nurse Answerphone: 01752 431898
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
-
01752 439694
