Breast Cancer Lymph Nodes

Breast cancer is 1 of the oldest known forms of cancer in humans dating back as far as 1600 BC. However, it was not until the 17th century that doctors were able to establish a link between breast cancer and the lymph nodes that are located in a person's armpit. This was done by a French surgeon by the name of Jean Louis and a Scottish surgeon by the name of Benjamin Bell. They were also the first to remove the lymph nodes and breast tissues instead of trying to burn the cancer out like was previously done.

Breast cancer is a type of malignant tumor that originates in your breast's cells. The names of the different types of cancer are based upon their site of origin. As such, it is important to understand that a woman’s breast is composed of milk glands, fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels, ducts and lymph vessels, which are similar to veins but carry lymph fluid (tissue fluid) instead of blood. These lymph nodes serve as a barrier, stopping bacteria or cancer cells from spreading further throughout your body. This is because lymph fluid ultimately re-enters a woman's blood stream where they drain into the axillary lymph nodes, which are located in a woman's underarm. There are also lobules and ducts that are supported in the breast by the fatty tissue and ligaments that surround them.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, then you will find yourself being faced with the challenge of working with your doctor to decide upon a treatment plan. There are a few different types of treatment that you may consider. These include:

1. Usually surgery is necessary in order to remove the cancerous tumor and any lymph nodes to which the cancer may have spread. Oftentimes this surgery is then followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy in order to prevent the cancer from returning in the future. While these therapies are quite effective in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer, they do have side effects that you should know about since they can affect your quality of life.
2. In rare cases, a more radical mastectomy may be necessary. Herein part or all of the lymph nodes and some muscle tissue is removed. A total masectomy (also known as a simple masectomy) requires the removal of the entire breast but no lymph nodes or muscle tissue is removed. There are also partial mastectomies that may be done. In such cases, more tissue than lymph nodes are removed. Regardless as to whether you have a full or partial masectomy, you will then have to have radiation treatment as well. Most of the side effects come from the radiation treatment and not the masectomy itself. In fact, many women are only kept in the hospital overnight for observation.

Lymph Node Cancer

Understand more about Lymph Node Cancer.