Abstract
This paper presents arguments for and against the performance of complete axillary dissection in patients with operable breast cancer. The arguments in favour of this are that complete axillary dissection is a simple surgical procedure which provides excellent local tumour control with minimal morbidity, that it provides complete staging and the best widely available prognostic information, and that it accurately selects patients who will benefit from the administration of adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. The arguments against are that axillary irradiation provides comparable rates of local tumour control to axillary surgery, and that decisions regarding adjuvant systemic therapy can be made without a knowledge of axillary nodal status. The evidence for and against lesser surgical procedures in the axilla is also presented and in the light of this overview we have attempted to make valid recommendations about axillary treatment in patients with operable breast cancer.
Published Version
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