Why are the armpit lymph nodes assessed in breast cancer surgery? How do you care for the wound and drain after surgery?
Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, so breast cancer surgery usually includes dealing with the armpit lymph nodes; some patients can have a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and if no tumour cells are found, the armpit lymph nodes need not be cleared, reducing the chance of lymphoedema in the arm (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026). The type of operation for an individual patient is decided by the treating doctor.
Why are the armpit lymph nodes assessed in breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer may spread from the breast to the lymph nodes in the armpit, so breast cancer surgery usually includes axillary lymph node dissection to diagnose and treat lymph node metastasis; some patients can have a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and if no tumour cells are found, there is no need to clear the armpit lymph nodes, reducing the chance of permanent lymphoedema in the arm after surgery (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
Breast lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) is generally done together with axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy, and breast radiotherapy is generally needed after the operation; after the armpit lymph nodes are removed, patients may have swelling of the arm, pain, abnormal sensation, poor movement and shoulder stiffness (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
Which operation an individual patient has, and whether the lymph nodes need to be cleared, is decided by the treating doctor according to the condition.
How do you care for the wound and drain after surgery?
The general arrangements after surgery are in the table below (Cancer Online Resource Hub breast cancer page, ‘Surgery for breast cancer’ section, April 2026); follow the instructions of the hospital and the treating doctor for the actual arrangements.
| Item | What the page says |
|---|---|
| Bathing | You can shower from the first day after surgery, but take care not to wet the wound, and keep the wound dressing dry |
| Removing stitches | Stitches or clips can be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery |
| Drain | Can be removed once drainage decreases; patients generally go home before it is removed and come back to the ward later to have it removed |
| Activity and discharge | Generally you can move about or get out of bed 6 hours after surgery, and can be discharged home the next day |
| Eating and drinking | You can resume eating and drinking once you have woken from the anaesthetic |
What should you watch for after discharge?
After discharge, if wound pain or redness and swelling get worse, or the wound leaks, the patient needs to contact the doctor or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department; patients should return to daily activities gradually according to their own situation, avoid lifting heavy objects with the arm on the side of the operation, wear gloves to protect the arm when washing or gardening, and remember the dates for stitch removal and follow-up visits (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
Patients need to do simple arm exercises as instructed by the doctor and physiotherapist, to keep the shoulder joint flexible and reduce swelling (Cancer Online Resource Hub breast cancer page, section on how breast cancer patients can take good care of themselves, April 2026).
For the steps of treatment, see Breast cancer: from diagnosis to starting treatment; for the specialties involved, see How to choose a breast cancer doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why might the lymph nodes need to be assessed before breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, so surgery usually includes dealing with the armpit lymph nodes to diagnose and treat metastasis; some patients can have a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and if no tumour cells are found, the armpit lymph nodes need not be cleared (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).
How do you care for the wound and drain after breast cancer surgery?
You can shower from the first day after surgery but must keep the wound dressing dry, and stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days; the drain is removed only once drainage decreases, and patients generally go home first and come back to the ward later to have it removed (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026). If wound pain or redness and swelling get worse, or the wound leaks, contact the doctor or go to Accident and Emergency (Cancer Online Resource Hub, April 2026).