Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)
Complete removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit, for patients with proven nodal disease requiring formal axillary clearance.
What is Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)?
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) is the surgical removal of the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit), typically levels I and II, for patients with proven axillary nodal disease from breast cancer. It provides definitive local control of nodal disease and accurate staging information. Dr. Abhishek performs ALND at Lux Hospitals with meticulous technique to preserve key structures — the thoracodorsal, long thoracic, and intercostobrachial nerves — reducing the risk of shoulder dysfunction and chronic neuropathic pain.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Positioning
General anaesthesia is given; the arm is positioned on an arm board to expose the axilla.
Axillary Incision
A curved incision along the axillary skin crease gives access to the lymph node compartments.
Nerve Identification
The thoracodorsal, long thoracic, and intercostobrachial nerves are identified and preserved.
Level I & II Dissection
All level I (lateral to pectoralis minor) and level II (behind pectoralis minor) nodes are removed en bloc.
Drain & Closure
A suction drain is placed to prevent seroma; the skin is closed cosmetically in layers.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Definitive local control for axillary nodal disease
- →Accurate staging guiding systemic therapy decisions
- →Important nerves preserved with meticulous technique
- →Reduces risk of axillary recurrence in node-positive disease
- →Provides complete pathological assessment of nodal burden
- →Still the standard of care for specific clinical scenarios
Axillary dissection is older surgery but it still has a role — for the right patient with proven nodal disease, it delivers local control no other option can match. The key is preserving every nerve that can be preserved.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in Hyderabad depends on the underlying breast condition, extent of lymph node involvement, pre-operative evaluation, surgical complexity, anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative care. ALND is a surgical procedure in which lymph nodes from the axilla (underarm area) are removed in selected patients with confirmed or suspected lymph node involvement, particularly as part of treatment for certain breast cancers. The estimated cost ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,60,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹1,20,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Node-positive disease | ₹80,000 ₹1,60,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on the confirmed breast diagnosis, extent of axillary lymph node involvement, number and location of affected nodes, and whether ALND is performed along with another breast surgery. Pre-operative imaging, biopsy or pathology evaluation, blood tests, anesthesia, operating-room charges, hospital admission, medicines, and follow-up care may also contribute to the total treatment expense.
Not every breast lump requires axillary lymph node dissection. The need for ALND is determined by the patient's diagnosis, lymph node assessment, imaging and biopsy findings, previous treatment, and overall treatment plan. In selected patients, alternative methods of axillary staging or treatment may be considered instead of a complete lymph node dissection.
Factors Affecting Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Cost
The final cost of ALND can vary between patients because the extent of lymph node disease and the complexity of surgery are not the same in every case. Since ALND may be performed as part of a broader breast cancer treatment plan, associated breast procedures and pathology requirements can also influence the overall expense.
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Extent of lymph node involvement: The number and distribution of affected axillary nodes can influence the complexity and duration of surgery.
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Underlying breast condition: The confirmed diagnosis and disease characteristics help determine whether ALND is required.
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Associated breast surgery: ALND may be performed together with lumpectomy, mastectomy, or another breast procedure, which can increase the overall cost
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Pre-operative evaluation: Breast imaging, axillary ultrasound, biopsy, pathology reports, blood tests, and other investigations may be required.
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Previous treatment: Prior breast or axillary surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatment may affect surgical planning
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Surgical complexity: Scar tissue, altered anatomy, or extensive nodal disease may make the operation more technically demanding.
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Anesthesia and hospital care: Anesthesia, operating-room charges, inpatient admission, nursing, monitoring, and recovery services contribute to the total expense.
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Histopathology: Removed lymph nodes are examined to determine the extent of disease, and pathology charges may be included in the treatment cost.
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Drain and wound care: Post-operative drain management, wound care, medicines, and monitoring can contribute to recovery-related expenses.
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Additional treatment: Further breast cancer treatment may be recommended based on the final diagnosis and pathology findings, creating costs beyond the surgery itself.
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Follow-up care: Post-operative consultations and monitoring may also affect the overall treatment expense.
Insurance Coverage for Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection may be covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary treatment for a covered breast condition, including node-positive breast cancer. Coverage depends on the diagnosis, treatment plan, policy terms, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer guidelines, applicable limits, and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm coverage for the breast procedure, lymph node surgery, hospitalization, pathology, and related treatment with their insurer before planned admission.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Abhishek Katha
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, evaluates patients with a range of surgical conditions and provides assessment for breast-related surgical concerns where appropriate. During consultation, he reviews the patient's breast symptoms, duration of the lump, pain or other associated symptoms, medical and surgical history, previous investigations, and available imaging or biopsy reports. A clinical examination is used to understand the breast and axillary findings and determine whether further evaluation is required. When axillary lymph node surgery is being considered, Dr. Abhishek Katha reviews the available diagnostic and pathology information to understand the extent of lymph node involvement and the role of surgery in the overall treatment plan. When ALND is appropriate, he discusses the surgical approach, whether it will be combined with another breast procedure, hospital stay, expected recovery, wound and drain care, pathology evaluation, possible additional treatment, and the factors that may influence the final treatment cost.
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