What is an axillary autopsy?

The term axillary dissection concerns the surgery in which the axila (armpit area) is open to reveal and remove the small glands found here. The small glands found in the armpit area are often referred to as lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are an integral part of the lymphatic system because they are responsible for filtering fluid from cells. This filtered liquid is then added back to the bloodstream to circulate throughout the body.

In breast cancer surgery, axillary nodes are often performed. This procedure is carried out to determine how far the cancer has spread. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arms, there is a chance that it can spread throughout the body through the lymphatic system. The best result would be to find any cancer in the lymph nodes that are removed.

There are three levels of axillary lymph nodes. These levels are determined by recording their location in relation to the smallerpectoralissval. This muscle is on the front of the chest. It starts at the third, fourth and fifth ribs and runs to the top of the shoulder.

Axillary lymph nodes of the level-one are located along the lower edge of a smaller pectoralis muscle. Under this muscle are level nodes-DVA and three nodes are located on the upper edge of the muscle. Axillary autopsy usually involves the use of lymph nodes from level one and the other level. If the surgeon has suspected advanced breast cancer, he can also remove lymph nodes on the third level.

It is a common practice to make a axillary autopsy under general anesthesia. Usually the surgeon creates a small cut of two or three inches (5.08-7.62 cm) in the fold of the armpits. It then removes the fat tissue that contains lymph nodes. This tissue is sent to the laboratory where lymph nodes will be extracted and tested for cancer cells.

recovery time after axillary autopsy isUsually four to six weeks. During this time, the affected arm should be massaged and subjected to a fine range of movement exercises. Great attention should be paid to prevent cuts or other surgical injuries. The surgeon may also have an individual wear of the compression clothing on the affected arm to prevent swelling.

Complications may sometimes occur after axillary autopsy. Some individuals reported a loss of feeling in the back and armpits. The swelling of the arm is another complication that may occur after the autopsy of axillary lymph nodes. Occasionally inflamed veins that run on the arm may occur in the veins, or a blood clot may develop in the vein. In most cases, these complications can be easily treated.