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7.Conservative Axillary Surgery in Management of Breast Cancer: An Emerging Surgical Approach
Shabab Hussain1, Khan Karim Afridi2, Viqar Aslam3, Mohammad Nasir2 and Fazal Ahmad1
ABSTRACT
Objective: To unveil the potential of conservative axillary surgery in the management of breast cancer. For a considerable amount of time, axillary lymph node dissection has been the typical axillary lymph nodes treatment in patients having breast cancer. Nonetheless, ALND has been linked with postoperative complications, such as impaired sensation in the affected area, limited shoulder movement, and, notably, arm lymphedema. This study will provide an insight as to what are the benefits of this conservative approach and does it provide short-term or long-term benefits.
Study Design: Retrospective observational study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the department of Surgery KMU-IMS DHQ Teaching Hospital Kohat from December 2017 to January 2023.
Materials and Methods: On 38 patients, retrospective analysis was done with a follow-up score of mean 3.8. Patients involved in this study undergoes conservative axillary surgery in order to manage surgically breast cancer. Outcome variables were assessed through tegner score, satisfactory score, Lysholm score, VAS score, and Meyers functional rating score.
Results: For patients without cancerous lymph nodes, using SLND for staging provides precise results with less negative impacts on their health. If SLND shows no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes, it is not necessary to perform ALND, and this does not compromise the patient’s chances of being diseases-free, surviving, or controlling cancer in the area. Some studies have also shown that even in patients with small or large cancerous cells in the lymph nodes, ALND does not improve the chances of local-regional control or survival, in all these studies, the recurrence rate of cancer in the axillary region has been consistently low, below 3 percent.
Conclusion: Conservative axillary surgery, which involves removing a restricted nodes variety of lymph in the armpit instead of a comprehensive axillary lymph dissection of node, is becoming increasingly common in breast cancer surgical management. Studies have shown that this approach can be just as effective in terms of cancer control and survival rates, while also reducing the risk of complications such as lymphedema, which is a chronic swelling of the arm. Overall, conservative axillary surgery is a promising approach for breast cancer surgical management, and mat become the standard of care for many patients. However, it is crucial to note that each case is exclusive and needs an individualized approach founded on the patient’s specific needs and circumstances, so it is important to discuss all options with a qualified healthcare provider.
Key Words: Conservative Axillary Surgery, Breast Cancer, typical axillary lymph nodes