Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE-ISTANBUL TIP FAKULTESI DERGISI, 2024 (ESCI)
Objective: Skin cancers are the most common malignant cancers. For the surgical treatment of skin cancer, there are cases where axillary dissection should be performed, and secondary lymphedema after axillary dissection is not uncommon. The study examined the number of lymph nodes removed in the dissection materials to evaluate the factors that may predict the development of lymphedema. Material and Method: Our study included patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection for malignant skin tumors originating from the upper extremities between 2019 and 2022. Age, gender, type of primary malignancy, localization of the lesion, total number of lymph nodes removed in the dissection material, number of metastatic lymph nodes detected in the dissection material, history of SLNB, and the difference in measurements between the operated and non -operated extremity were recorded preoperatively and at the first year postoperatively. Result: In our study, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the total number of lymph nodes removed and the diameter difference between the dissected and non -dissected arms. At the same time, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the number of metastatic lymph nodes and the diameter difference between the dissected limb and the metacarpophalangeal joints of the other limb. Conclusion: Lymphedema is a complication that is difficult to treat and whose prognosis can be alleviated if detected early. By evaluating the number of excised and metastatic lymph nodes in the dissection materials, it may be possible to take early pre- cautions, educate patients, develop individual treatment mo- dalities, and avoid unwanted complications in patients who may develop lymphedema.