Cancer in all three levels of Axillary lymph nodes.
Reoccurrence of EST+ HER2- breast cancer. Results from PET FES shows cancer in all three levels of Axillary lymph nodes. Are there any options beside surgery? I worry about Lyphodema.
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@crossh, I’m sorry that you need ALND as it does increase the risk of lymphedema. There are vascular surgeries that can be done to lower the risk. Lymphovenous bypass connects damaged lymph nodes to nearby veins as an alternate drainage route. It is done concurrently with the ALND. There is a more invasive procedure called Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis where lymph nodes from another part of the body are transplanted to the axilla. I haven’t had either done but it is something you could investigate. All the best.
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Thanks for the info. I am having LVA in addition to the LND. Fox Chase does that. They’re one of two in the Philadelphia area that have plastic surgeons who do this. I will look into the other though. Haven’t heard of that.
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Actually LVA and LVB are the same.
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymphovenous-bypass
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