Axillary Dissection: An Obsolete Operation?

Abstract: Our concept of the role of axillary dissection in breast cancer management continues to change. The decreased morbidity of breast conserving therapy has focused more attention on the sequelae of axillary dissection. In addition, the increasingly frequent identification of small breast cancers at low risk for nodal metastases means that fewer patients benefit from axillary dissection. This article reviews the morbidity of axillary dissection, the risk of nodal metastases in a variety of patient groups, and the frequency with which nodal metastases alter the use of adjuvant therapy.

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