SELF CARE TIPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN FOLLOWING MASTECTOMY WITH AXILLARY LYMPH NODE DISSECTION

Sheeba Wiselin.C, S. Kalavathy

An axillary lymph node dissection surgery routinely involves the removal of lymph nodes from the (axilla) armpit. These lymph nodes and associated lymph vessels play an important role in the body’s immune system. Axillary lymph nodes help to drain the arm, upper back and chest on that side of the body. The lymph vessels pick up large proteins, toxin, wastes, bacteria, any cancer cells, and about 10-20% of the fluid that circulates throughout the body. Once this fluid enters the lymph vessel it is known as lymph fluid. he lymph vessels drain this lymph fluid into the axillary lymph nodes. The lymph nodes have macrophage cells that break up the proteins and waste. They also make lymphocytes, which helps to fight infection by destroying bacteria and toxins. The removal or impairment of these lymph nodes through surgery or radiation will be a risk for lymphedema. Education is focused on the prevention of anything that restricts lymph flow.