Lymph node dissection (lymphadenectomy) in Turkey: types, recovery and prices

Role of lymph nodes

The lymphatic system plays a central role in the immune defense of our body. It consists of fine vessels, similar to veins, that carry a clear fluid called lymph, which contains white blood cells essential for immunity. Along this network, lymph nodes act as filters: they trap abnormal cells, bacteria, and even cancerous cells.

In the case of cancer, malignant cells can escape from the primary tumor and circulate through the lymphatic system. These cells can then settle in nearby lymph nodes, becoming an entry point for cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

This phenomenon is often observed in cancers such as breast cancer, skin cancer (melanoma),and prostate cancer. If the lymph nodes become affected, the risk of spreading increases significantly.

What is lymph node curage?

Lymph node dissection (or lymphadenectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes suspicious or cancer-invaded lymph nodes. It helps stage the disease, guides further treatment and can lower the risk of local recurrence by removing nodes that may contain cancer cells.

In Turkey, the procedure is performed in hospitals with surgical oncology teams. Send your reports through the request form so that a specialist can review your file.

Types of lymph node dissection

Lymph node dissection can involve different areas of the body, depending on the location of the cancer and the potential spread of tumor cells. There are five main types of lymphadenectomy, each targeting a specific region where lymph nodes are at risk.

• Inguinal Dissection: This type of dissection involves removing lymph nodes located in the groin, at the junction between the thigh and lower abdomen. It is often indicated in the treatment of certain skin (such as melanoma) or genital cancer.
• Axillary Dissection: Also known as axillary lymphadenectomy or axillary dissection, this procedure targets the lymph nodes in the armpit. It is commonly performed in breast cancer treatment to assess or limit tumor spread.
• Pelvic Dissection: Also referred to as pelvic lymphadenectomy, ilio-inguinal lymphadenectomy, or deep inguinal dissection, this surgery aims to remove lymph nodes located in the pelvic region. These nodes are close to the main iliac arteries (internal, external, and common) that supply blood to the pelvic area and lower abdomen.
• Cervical Dissection: Cervical lymph node dissection involves removing lymph nodes in the neck. This procedure is indicated when cancer cells spread to the cervical region, as seen in certain cancers of the head and neck or upper respiratory tract.
• Retroperitoneal Dissection: Also known as retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, this type of dissection targets lymph nodes located at the back of the abdominal cavity, in an area called the retroperitoneum. These nodes can be affected in certain urological cancers or testicular cancer.

How is a lymph node dissection performed in Turkey?

In Turkey, lymph node dissection is performed in hospitals by surgeons specialized in oncology, usually under general anesthesia.

Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected area. The involved lymph nodes, along with surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells, are removed.

A surgical drain (a small flexible tube) is placed in the operated area to evacuate fluid. It is connected to a small external pouch and usually stays in place for a few days to several weeks, which helps limit fluid build-up.

The incision is then closed with sutures or staples and covered with a sterile dressing.

Tissue analysis and post-operative follow-up

The removed lymph nodes are sent to a laboratory and analyzed by a pathologist. This step shows whether cancer cells are present and guides the treatment plan.

Depending on the extent of the dissection, a hospital stay of 1 to 3 days may be required. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection, and painkillers are prescribed to relieve discomfort.

Before discharge, the medical team explains how to:

• Clean and protect the surgical wound.
• Manage the drain and dressing at home.
• Gradually resume your daily activities.
• Reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Recognize warning signs that require medical follow-up.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure to assess healing.

Side effects of a lymph node dissection

Like any surgical procedure, lymph node dissection can lead to side effects. They vary from patient to patient and may appear immediately, in the following days or weeks, or several months later.

The most common side effects are:

• Accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the operated area.
• Lymphedema: swelling in the area where the nodes were removed, caused by poor lymphatic circulation.
• Joint stiffness and localized pain: difficulty moving the neck, shoulder or hip, depending on the region treated.
• Infection in the surgical area, with redness, warmth, swelling, pus discharge or fever.
• Tingling, numbness or pins-and-needles around the scar, from temporary nerve irritation. These symptoms usually diminish as healing progresses.

Post-operative monitoring and rehabilitation exercises help detect and manage these effects early.