Axilla Surgery Gold Coast

The lymph nodes in the armpit are usually the first place breast cancer spreads to if it moves beyond the breast. Checking them shows whether the cancer has spread, which is one of the most important factors in planning your treatment.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy removes the first lymph node or nodes that the breast drains into, known as the sentinel nodes. A tracer, such as a small amount of radioactive substance, a blue dye or both, is injected into the breast to help locate them. Usually only a small number of nodes are removed and checked by a pathologist. If they are clear of cancer, the other lymph nodes are very unlikely to contain cancer.

An axillary dissection, also called an axillary clearance, removes most of the lymph nodes from the armpit. It may be recommended when cancer has already been found in the lymph nodes before surgery, or in some cases after a sentinel lymph node biopsy shows cancer in the nodes.

The right procedure depends on your imaging and biopsy results, whether the lymph nodes appear to be affected before surgery, and the features of the cancer itself. Dr Gault will explain his recommendation and the reasons for it, and your care is planned within a multidisciplinary team.

Usually, yes. Axilla surgery is most often performed during the same operation as breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy, although it is sometimes done as a separate procedure. Dr Gault operates at Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa.

Recovery after a sentinel lymph node biopsy is usually quicker than after an axillary dissection. After an axillary dissection, a drain may be placed in the armpit for a period, and shoulder movement can feel stiff at first. Gentle arm exercises help, and Gault Surgery patients can access physiotherapy with Tara Redemski, an APA-titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist, to support shoulder movement and recovery.

Lymphoedema is swelling in the arm, hand, breast or chest that can happen when lymph fluid does not drain properly after lymph nodes are removed. The risk is higher after an axillary dissection than after a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and it can also be increased by radiotherapy to the armpit. It can develop months or even years after surgery. Early signs include heaviness, tightness or swelling, and it is best to report these early, as early management can help.

Like any surgery, axilla surgery carries risks. These can include infection, bleeding, a build-up of fluid under the wound (seroma), numbness in the armpit or inner upper arm, shoulder stiffness, and tight cords of tissue under the skin of the arm (cording). If blue dye is used for a sentinel lymph node biopsy, it can temporarily colour your urine and the skin of the breast. Dr Gault will explain the risks that apply to you before surgery.

Finding cancer in the lymph nodes helps your care team plan the rest of your treatment. It may mean further treatment is recommended, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy, and sometimes further surgery to the armpit. Your results are discussed within your multidisciplinary team, and Dr Gault will go through them with you.

You will have access to our breast care nurse, Julie, who supports you and your family through surgery and recovery, and can connect you with other support services. Care continues after surgery through survivorship and follow-up.

Costs vary depending on the procedure, whether it is combined with other breast surgery, the hospital and your level of health insurance cover. Please contact our rooms on (07) 5539 3999 to discuss the likely costs for your situation. You may also wish to check with your private health fund about your cover and any excess.

You can book by calling (07) 5539 3999 or by sending a message through the Quick Enquiry form on this page. A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is needed to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. Our rooms are at Suite 11, Pindara Place, 13 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4217.