Pelvic lymph nodes, Opens dialog

Surgery Overview

This surgery, also called lymph node dissection, may be done to examine the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes for endometrial cancer cells. Removing and checking the cancerous lymph nodes will let the doctor know the exact stage and grade of the cancer. And it may reduce the spread of the disease. The procedure can be done through an incision in the belly or by laparoscope.

The surgery may be done:

• If cancer cells are found in certain lymph nodes that were removed in an earlier surgery.
• As part of a hysterectomy if cancer has invaded the deep part of the muscle, the cancer is of higher grade, or your doctor suspects that cancer may spread to other parts of the body.

The surgery usually is an extensive operation in which lymph nodes (Figure 1) are removed. This is needed because cancer can spread through the lymph system to other areas of the body. The surgery usually is done under general anesthesia.

Figure 1 - Pelvic lymph nodes

Pelvic lymph nodes are part of the lymph system, which carries fluid, nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. Lymph nodes are connected by a system of channels that run throughout the body. Cancer may spread through the lymph nodes to distant parts of the body.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.