Lymphatic mapping in axilla as possible prevention of lymphedema in breast cancer patients – first results of the anatomical study.
2012
Abstract
Objective: Lymphatic mapping is a method to find and preserve upper extremity lymphatics during axillary surgery (axilla clearance and sentinel node biopsy) in breast cancer patients. This may reduce the incidence of lymphedema.
We examined on anatomical model, if the lymphatic drainage of the upper extremity is fully separable from the lymphatic drainage of the breast. We further endeavored to find an explanation as to why lymphedema occurs in the upper extremity after sentinel node biopsy in breast carcinoma.