![]() However, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes even if they don’t feel enlarged. If the lymph nodes feel enlarged, it’s likely the breast cancer has spread there. However, a pathologist’s exam of the lymph nodes removed during a biopsy or surgery is needed to determine lymph node status.ĭuring a physical exam, your health care provider will feel under your arm to check if the lymph nodes are enlarged. Sometimes, positive lymph nodes can be felt during a physical exam or seen on breast imaging. The larger the tumor, the more likely it is the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (lymph node-positive). Lymph node status is related to tumor size. Learn about lymph node status and breast cancer stage. The more lymph nodes that contain cancer, the poorer prognosis tends to be. Prognosis is better when breast cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes (lymph node-negative). Lymph node-positive means at least one axillary lymph node contains cancer.Lymph node-negative means none of the axillary lymph nodes contain cancer.Lymph node status is highly related to prognosis (chance of survival). If breast cancer spreads, the lymph nodes in the underarm (the axillary lymph nodes) are the first place it’s likely to go.įigure 4.4 shows the location of the axillary lymph nodes. The lymphatic system runs throughout the body, like the circulatory (blood) system. Lymph nodes are small clumps of immune cells that act as filters for the lymphatic system.
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