Breast cancer patients having a lumpectomy (removal of a tumor and the zone of normal tissue around it) followed by radiation, particularly whole breast radiation, will no longer need full removal of the lymph node system under the arm. Breast cancer surgeon William Barber, M.D., explains that typically, the patient would have the sentinel lymph node removed and tested for cancer.

In cases where the sentinel node showed evidence of cancer, the majority of the underarm lymph nodes would be removed.

Undergoing this surgery can lead to arm swelling and some possible minor to moderate disabilities. “According to this study, once the sentinel node is tested, it is possible that no further surgery would be required,” Dr. Barber said.

The study was limited to women with relatively small tumors, no cancer elsewhere and no enlarged nodes that could be felt. This is good news to 40,000 or more American women a year, 20% of breast cancer patients, who will be saved from the additional surgery.

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