What are the symptoms of breast cancer lymph node metastasis

Among the metastatic pathways of breast cancer, axillary lymph nodes and internal lymph nodes are the earliest to be seen. Local metastasis is more common and mostly occurs in patients with stage II or above. Patients who have metastasis confirmed by sentinel lymph node biopsy need to undergo axillary lymph node dissection. Some patients are discovered early and may not have lymph node metastasis, but lumps may appear in the axilla, indicating a high risk of metastasis. In addition, contralateral axillary lymph node metastasis may occur. Lymph node metastasis may cause lymph node fusion, forming a large mass that compresses the axillary lymphatic vessels or veins, causing obstruction of lymphatic return or venous return, resulting in upper limb swelling.

How to treat breast cancer metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes

The patient's breast cancer metastases to the axillary lymph nodes, indicating that cancer cells have entered the lymphatic ducts and breast cancer has developed to the mid-stage. Surgical treatment, postoperative chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are all different from those for early breast cancer. Surgical treatment of breast cancer lymph node metastasis recommends clearing the axilla, but patients can still choose breast-conserving surgery. The intensity and number of chemotherapy cycles for patients with lymph node metastasis are enhanced compared to those for ordinary breast cancer patients. If the patient has no more than 3 metastatic lymph nodes and the patient's luminal classification is type A, the patient's prognosis is also very impressive.

How long can you live if breast cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes?

The main metastatic pathway of breast cancer is lymph node metastasis. If lymph node metastasis occurs, it is not considered early breast cancer and its survival time is difficult to determine. However, such patients have relatively good results after surgical treatment and comprehensive treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the later stage. Clinical investigations have found that the ten-year survival rate of patients with stage II breast cancer can reach 60%-70%, and the ten-year survival rate of patients with stage III breast cancer can reach 30%-40%. If lymph node metastasis occurs in the armpit, such patients should be actively treated, and most of them have relatively good long-term effects.