The term refers to the surgical removal of lymph nodes. This procedure, often performed in conjunction with cancer surgery, involves excising lymph nodes in a specific region of the body to assess for the presence of cancerous cells. For example, a surgeon might perform this when removing a melanoma to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the primary site.
The significance of this surgical intervention lies in its ability to provide critical information about disease staging and prognosis. Removing and examining these nodes allows pathologists to determine if cancer has metastasized, influencing subsequent treatment decisions such as the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Historically, it has been a cornerstone of cancer management, evolving alongside advancements in surgical techniques and diagnostic imaging.
