Lymph node dissection (lymphadenectomy) | Reviews & prices in Turkey

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 designed to remove suspicious or cancer-invaded lymph nodes. This operation is crucial not only to stop the spread of the disease but also to refine the diagnosis and tailor the treatment. It can also reduce the risk of recurrence by eliminating potential areas of residual cancer.

In Turkey, this procedure is performed in internationally renowned hospitals, with specialized surgical oncology teams.

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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 modern hospitals and clinics equipped with the latest technologies and staffed by surgeons specialized in oncology. This procedure is typically carried out under general anesthesia in a perfectly sterile and secure environment.

Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes a targeted incision in the affected area. The lymph nodes involved, along with any surrounding tissues that may contain cancerous cells, are then carefully removed.

A surgical drain (a small flexible tube) is placed in the operated area to evacuate postoperative fluids. This helps reduce the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process. The drain is connected to a small external pouch that collects the fluids and usually remains in place for a few days to several weeks.

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

Tissue analysis and post-operative follow-up

The removed lymph nodes are then sent to a laboratory to be analyzed by a pathologist. This step is essential to determine whether cancerous cells are present and to adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Depending on the extent of the dissection, a hospital stay of 1 to 3 days may be required. During this time, antibiotics may be administered to prevent infection, and painkillers are prescribed to relieve discomfort.

Before discharge, the medical team will explain how to:

• Clean and protect the surgical wound
• Manage the drain and dressing at home
• Gradually resume your daily activities safely
• 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 and the patient's overall condition.

Considering undergoing a lymph node dissection in Turkey? Benefit from comprehensive care, a specialized medical team, and treatments that meet the highest international standards.

Side effects of a lymph node dissection

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

Here are the most common side effects:

• Accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the operated area
• Lymphedema: swelling in the area where the glands were removed, caused by poor lymphatic circulation
• Joint stiffness and localized pain: difficulty moving the neck, shoulders, or hips if lymph nodes were removed from the groin, armpits, or neck
• Risk of infection in the surgical area, with symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus discharge, or fever
• Tingling, numbness, or pins-and-needles sensations around the scar: these are common and often result from temporary irritation or damage to local nerves. These symptoms usually diminish gradually as healing progresses

In Turkey, our partner medical teams work to minimize these side effects through personalized care, modern surgical techniques, and thorough post-operative monitoring.

Would you like to undergo a lymph node dissection safely and with close follow-up? Rely on our network of specialized clinics in Turkey to receive high-quality care at an affordable price.