Lymph Node Removal: Recovery and Side Effects
Lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy) for breast cancer is surgery to take out one or more lymph nodes from the armpit to check if the cancer has moved beyond the breast.
There are two main types of lymph node removal procedures:
sentinel lymph node biopsy, in which surgeons remove the sentinel nodes (typically, one to three lymph nodes)
axillary lymph node dissection, in which surgeons remove 10 or more lymph nodes
Lymph node removal surgeries can take place at the time of a mastectomy or lumpectomy or as a separate procedure. Depending on the type of lymph node removal surgery you have, you may stay overnight at the hospital.
Recovery from lymph node removal
Your recovery time from lymph node removal will vary based on the number of lymph nodes removed during surgery. Your surgeon should provide you with information about what to expect after having your lymph nodes removed based on your specific situation.
If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy, for instance, you may be able to take off the bandage covering the incision before you shower (typically 24 hours after the biopsy), and there’s no need to put on another bandage afterward. You should avoid removing any of the glue or tape your surgeon used to close the incision, as they will come off on their own. If these materials haven’t fallen off after 14 days, you may want to call your doctor to ask if you can gently remove them yourself.
If you had an axillary lymph node dissection, there will be a small tube called a drain coming out of your underarm area after surgery. The drain pulls excess fluid from the region where lymph nodes were taken. This fluid flows out of the body and into a container. As part of your recovery, you’ll need to monitor and empty your drain. Your healthcare team should tell you the best way to care for your drain and incision site, as well as how to position your arm as you recover.
Other post-surgery instructions may include:
taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines as your surgeon prescribes
wearing a supportive bra
showering once your surgeon says it’s OK
beginning gentle arm exercises to relieve tightness and restore range of motion
checking with your surgeon to see when you can resume heavy exercise, such as running and lifting weights
Short-term side effects of lymph node removal
As with any surgery, there’s a chance you may experience side effects. Because sentinel lymph node biopsy is a less invasive surgery than axillary lymph node dissection, it may have less severe side effects.
You may feel some short-term side effects, including:
soreness and tenderness under your arm
numbness and tingling that lasts from one week to several months
hardened scar tissue along the incision (the tissue softens after a few months as you heal)
a buildup of fluid under the arm (called seroma)
stiffness in the arm and shoulder that limits your movement
If your surgeon used blue dye to map your lymph nodes for surgery, the color will fade with time. Still, your skin might have a faint stain for up to one year after surgery. And urine and stool may also look bluish-green for one to two days after surgery.
Many of the short-term side effects of an axillary lymph node dissection are the same as those you might have after a sentinel lymph node biopsy. After an axillary lymph node dissection, you should also watch out for and alert your doctor if you have:
fluid buildup or signs of infection
inflammation in the armpit region
a swollen arm, which may be a sign of a blood clot
Long-term side effects of lymph node removal
Both sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection can lead to longer-term side effects, including:
Lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling caused by the build-up of lymph fluid. It can develop in the arm or hand of the affected side of the body, although it may also develop in the breast, chest, armpit, trunk, or back. It can cause shooting pains, a sensation of fullness or heaviness in the arm, and decreased flexibility in nearby joints.
Lost or decreased sensation in the back of the arm or armpit. Sometimes the nerve supplying sensation to the back of the arm and armpit is cut, stretched, or damaged during surgery. This loss of sensation may be temporary, but for some people, it may persist.
Tingling, numbness, stiffness, weakness. It's important not to let your arm become weak and stiff as a result of armpit discomfort and limited range of motion (mobility) after surgery. Physical therapy and exercise can help restore your arm movement and strength.
Winged scapula. This is an extremely rare complication that happens when the motor nerves that hold your shoulder blade flat are harmed during surgery, causing your shoulder blade to stick out when you hold your arm out straight.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare team if you experience any of these long-term side effects so you can get the appropriate treatment.
— Last updated on July 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM