Node clearance

Hi Lucy-B

The lymph nodes under your arm have potential to have cancer in them if it's spread/ing.  They carry out a sentinel node clearance - can be about 1 - 4 of these in any individual.  If there is cancer in any of these or they've already confirmed that there is cancer in the lymph nodes they carry out a full lymph node clearance (ie - node clearance).

Based on conversations before, it's hopeful that yours hasn't spread and you just have a sentinel node biopsy (fingers crossed).  The sentinel node biopsy vs full node clearance is far better and much, much less likely to get lymphodema. 

Best wishes,

Hi Lucy-B,

You may find this BCC info page about Lymph Node Surgery helpful :)

A node clearance is usually carried out if infected lymph nodes are found from the 2 or 3 removed during the SLNB (sentinel lymph node biopsy) depending on how risky leaving them in would be. If only minor this is zapped later on when undergoing radiotherapy.

G n' J

EDIT - Snap Lesleyhelen :)

Thankyou Dreamthief, I wondered what is was because in my op they took two nodes and found cells in them but no mention of removing any other nodes.....so they don't know if its in any other nodes. Just got told chemo, radiotherapy and tablets xx

Thankyou Lesley, in my op they took 2 nodes and found cancer cells in both but no mention of node clearance...was told chemo, radiation and tablets. So they have no idea if its spread xxx

Hiya Lucy-B

In which case it was probably only a few single cells found and not a cluster or small tumour - This is very common.

Chemo and rads should sort this without the risks of resorting to a node clearance :)

G n' J

Thankyou Dreamthief. I'm trying to stop my mind wandering to dark places but you know it tries to drag you there xx

1. Hello Lucy, wondering if you had clearance in the end?