Is axillary symptom severe in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer?
It is generally considered that axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer indicates a relatively serious condition. Once patients develop related symptoms, they should seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment to control disease progression and improve prognosis.
The presence of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer usually indicates that the disease is no longer in the early stage, but has progressed to an intermediate or more advanced stage. This means that cancer cells have spread beyond the original breast tissue and begun to invade surrounding tissues and organs, reflecting a more severe clinical status.
If left untreated, after axillary lymph node metastasis occurs, cancer cells may continue to spread to lymph nodes above and below the collarbone, and even reach distant organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, and brain through the bloodstream. This progression can transform intermediate-stage breast cancer into advanced-stage disease, posing a significant threat to the patient's life.
In terms of treatment, in addition to removing the primary tumor, surgical dissection of lymph nodes in the axillary, subclavian, and supraclavicular regions is often required. Furthermore, patients may also need comprehensive treatment approaches including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy.