James E Fanning, David K V Chung, Hayley M Reynolds, Tharanga D Jayathungage Don, Hiroo Suami, Kevin J Donohoe, Dhruv Singhal
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Lymphatic drainage from the arm may be altered after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Understanding these alterations is important as they may change standard surgical and radiation treatment in recurrent breast cancer or upper extremity skin cancers, including melanoma.
Methods: Utilizing a single-institution planar and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography lymphoscintigraphy database, we identified patients with a diagnosis of upper extremity cutaneous melanoma from 2008 to 2023 who previously underwent ALND for cancer treatment and did not develop upper extremity cancer-related lymphedema. ALND patients were matched to control patients presenting with cutaneous melanomas at the same anatomic sites. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were compared between both groups.
Results: Of 3628 upper extremity melanoma cutaneous patients, 934 met inclusion criteria, including 22 ALND and 912 control patients. Level I axillary SLN drainage was observed in 98% of controls and 27% of ALND patients (p < 0.001). Level II axillary SLN drainage was observed in 3% of controls and 27% of ALND patients (p < 0.001). Level III axillary SLN drainage was observed in 1% of controls and 32% of ALND patients (p < 0.001). Epitrochlear SLN drainage was observed in 9% of controls and 32% of ALND patients, respectively (p < 0.046). Brachial SLN drainage was observed in 4% of controls and 23% of ALND patients (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Distinct changes in functional lymphatic drainage were seen between the arms of patients who previously underwent ALND versus control patients. Levels II and III axillary, epitrochlear, and brachial nodes are possible sites of metastatic disease that should be considered in patients with a prior ALND.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Surgical Oncology offers peer-reviewed, original papers in the field of surgical oncology and broadly related surgical sciences, including reports on experimental and laboratory studies. As an international journal, the editors encourage participation from leading surgeons around the world. The JSO is the representative journal for the World Federation of Surgical Oncology Societies. Publishing 16 issues in 2 volumes each year, the journal accepts Research Articles, in-depth Reviews of timely interest, Letters to the Editor, and invited Editorials. Guest Editors from the JSO Editorial Board oversee multiple special Seminars issues each year. These Seminars include multifaceted Reviews on a particular topic or current issue in surgical oncology, which are invited from experts in the field.