Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Axillary lymph nodes
The lymph nodes in your underarm area are called axillary lymph nodes. They play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. You have lymph nodes throughout your body. When cancer cells reach the lymph nodes, the cancer can spread to other parts of your body more easily. By looking at some of these lymph nodes under a microscope (biopsy), your doctor can see if your breast cancer has spread to them.
A sentinel node biopsy is surgery that removes the first one or two lymph nodes that cancer would travel to from the breast. An axillary lymph node dissection is surgery that removes usually 10 to 20 nodes.
Current as of: October 25, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.