Lymph Node Dissection in Melbourne
Lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of lymph nodes to determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary tumour site.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our experienced Melbourne-based surgeons specialise in performing lymph node dissections as part of comprehensive skin cancer treatment, helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes in the management of melanoma and other aggressive skin cancers.
The procedure involves surgically removing a group of lymph nodes from a specific region of the body, typically those closest to the primary cancer. Our surgeons use precise techniques to carefully remove lymph nodes while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and important structures, such as nerves and blood vessels.
This approach allows for accurate cancer staging while minimising complications and promoting faster recovery times for our patients.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Is lymph node dissection for you?
Lymph node dissection may be appropriate for you if you have been diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer that carry a risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes.
This procedure may be recommended if:
- You have melanoma with specific high-risk features identified by your specialist
- Imaging studies suggest possible lymph node involvement
- A sentinel lymph node biopsy has revealed cancer cells in your lymph nodes
- You have been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma or other aggressive skin cancers
- Your cancer has characteristics that indicate a higher likelihood of lymph node spread
During your initial consultation, we will assess your specific diagnosis, review your pathology results, and determine if lymph node dissection is the most appropriate treatment option for your case.
Potential benefits
- Accurate cancer staging. Lymph node dissection provides crucial information about whether cancer has spread, helping determine the most appropriate treatment plan and prognosis [1].
- Improved local disease control. Removing affected lymph nodes can help prevent local recurrence and reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body [2].
- Treatment planning guidance. The results help oncologists determine whether additional treatments, such as immunotherapy or radiation therapy, may be beneficial [3].
- Peace of mind. For many patients, knowing the exact extent of their cancer provides emotional relief and helps them make informed decisions about their care [4].
- Enhanced survival outcomes. When performed appropriately, lymph node dissection can improve long-term survival in some cases of skin cancer [5].
Potential risks
- Lymphoedema development. The most significant long-term risk is chronic swelling in the affected limb, which occurs when lymphatic drainage is compromised following lymph node removal [6].
- Infection and wound healing. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site and potential complications with wound healing [7].
- Nerve damage. Temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or weakness may occur if nerves are damaged during the procedure [8].
- Seroma formation. Fluid accumulation under the skin at the surgical site may require additional drainage procedures [9].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our skin cancer surgeons
Lymph node dissection procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your lymph node dissection at Specialist Surgical Group. These steps provide a general overview; your experience may vary depending on your specific medical needs and the type of dissection required.
1. Initial consultation and planning
During your initial appointment, we’ll review your medical history, examine the surgical site, and discuss the procedure in detail.
We’ll explain the specific lymph node regions to be addressed and answer any questions you may have about the surgery.
2. Pre-operative preparation
You’ll receive detailed instructions about preparing for surgery, including guidelines about medications, eating, and drinking.
We may arrange additional imaging studies to help guide the surgical approach and ensure optimal outcomes.
3. Surgical procedure
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in our accredited facility in Melbourne.
Using precise techniques, we carefully remove the affected lymph node group while protecting important surrounding structures such as nerves and blood vessels.
4. Immediate post-operative care
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in our recovery area until you’re ready to go home.
We’ll provide pain management and ensure you’re comfortable before discharge, typically within a few hours for most procedures.
5. Early recovery period
During the first few weeks, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
We’ll provide guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs to watch for that may require medical attention.
6. Long-term follow-up
We’ll continue to monitor your recovery and work closely with your oncology team to ensure you receive the appropriate ongoing care.
This includes watching for any signs of lymphoedema and providing resources for prevention and management.
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(03) 9466 7338Lymph node dissection FAQ
The surgery typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the location and number of lymph nodes being removed. More complex cases involving multiple lymph node regions may require longer processing times.
Most lymph node dissections are performed as day surgery procedures, allowing you to go home the same day. However, some patients may require an overnight stay, depending on their circumstances.
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but full recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks. We’ll provide specific guidelines based on your procedure and healing progress.
Watch for persistent swelling, heaviness, or tightness in the affected limb, changes in skin texture, or difficulty with movement. Early detection and management can help prevent progression.
The pathology results from your lymph node dissection will help your oncology team determine if additional treatments such as immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or regular monitoring are needed.
Lymph node dissection is considered the gold standard for determining lymph node involvement in cancer staging, providing highly accurate information about the extent of the disease.
We work closely with lymphoedema therapists and can refer you to specialists who provide compression therapy, exercise programs, and other management strategies to help control symptoms.
In some cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy may be sufficient, or other imaging techniques might provide adequate information. We’ll discuss all options during your consultation.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Gershenwald JE, Scolyer RA, Hess KR, et al. Melanoma staging: Evidence-based changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual. CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(6):472-492. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21409
[2] Faries MB, Thompson JF, Cochran AJ, et al. Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(23):2211-2222. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1613210
[3] Long GV, Hauschild A, Santinami M, et al. Adjuvant Dabrafenib plus Trametinib in Stage III BRAF-Mutated Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(19):1813-1823. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1708539
[4] Husson O, Nieuwlaat WA, Oranje WA, et al. Fatigue among short- and long-term melanoma survivors: a longitudinal study. Cancer. 2013;119(22):4129-4136. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.28318
[5] Morton DL, Thompson JF, Cochran AJ, et al. Final trial report of sentinel-node biopsy versus nodal observation in melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(7):599-609. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1310460
[6] Cormier JN, Askew RL, Mungovan KS, et al. Lymphedema beyond breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cancer-related secondary lymphedema. Cancer. 2010;116(22):5138-5149. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.25458
[7] de Vries M, Vonkeman WG, van Ginkel RJ, et al. Morbidity after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy and completion lymph node dissection in patients with cutaneous melanoma. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2006;32(7):785-789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2006.05.003
[8] Guggenheim MM, Hug U, Jung FJ, et al. Morbidity and recurrence after completion lymph node dissection following sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous malignant melanoma. Ann Surg. 2008;247(4):687-693. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0b013e318161317a
[9] Spillane AJ, Cheung BL, Winstanley J, et al. Lymph node ratio provides prognostic information in addition to american joint committee on cancer N stage in patients with melanoma, even if quality of surgery is standardized. Ann Surg. 2011;253(1):109-115. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181f9b8b6