Necessity of Low Partial Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer Patients with Negative Result of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Objective To investigate the necessity of low partial axillary lymph node dissection (LPALND) for breast cancer patients with negative result of sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB). Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 138 breast cancer patients with swelling axillary lymph node and negative result of SLNB ≤4 who received low partial axillary lymph node dissection. Results There was no significant difference in the probability of LPALN metastasis among three groups with two, three and four SLNs (P > 0.05); but there was significant difference between two groups with one and four SLNs (P < 0.05). Conclusion Breast cancer patients with swelling axillary lymph node and one negative SLN should be treated with LPALND; those with two-three negative SLNs are recommended to do LPALND; while those with four negative SLNs are recommended to be exempt from LPALND.