Management of the axilla after the finding of a positive sentinel lymph node: a proposal for an evidence-based risk-adapted algorithm.
Axillary lymph node dissection after the finding of a positive sentinel lymph node is a common clinical practice. A review is performed for the efficacy and morbidity of axillary lymph node dissection, the rationale for nonsurgical management of the axilla, and the efficacy, technical limitations, and toxicity of axillary radiation therapy; a management algorithm is then proposed based upon currently available prediction tools.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA. sevans@tufts-nemc.org
Suzanne B
SB
Evans
Jennifer
J
Gass
David E
DE
Wazer
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D047368:Tumor Burden