New Breast Cancer Biopsy Technique Wins Award

Image: ADAM Medical Encyclopedia

Lymphedema often results after surgery to remove and test lymph nodes for breast cancer metastasis. Usually a surgeon removes 20 to 30 lymph nodes, which are sent for pathology tests during surgery to remove breast cancer. Professor Robert Mansel, of Cardiff University’s School of Medicine in Wales has been given the Best National Health Innovation for 2007 Award for his new technique, which removes only one lymph node. Cancer can spread through the body's lymph system, so it is important to know the node status of a patient before treatment begins. If only one critical lymph node is removed and tested, patients may avoid the arm swelling and disfunction that accompanies lymphedema.

• Award for new breast cancer treatment
• Lymph Node Status