This image shows the effects of breast cancer on the body.<unk>  is a surgical procedure that incises the axilla, usually in order to identify, examine, or take out lymph nodes. The term "axilla" refers to the armpit or underarm section of the body. The<unk>  procedure is commonly used in treating the underarm portion of women who are dealing with breast cancer. The lymph nodes located in the axilla area that are affected by breast cancer are called the guardian or sentinel lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are essential to the lymphatic/immune system due to their main function of filtering unrecognized particles and molecules. The idea of treating breast cancer with the<unk>  procedure was introduced in the 18th century and was backed by German physician Lorenz Heister. There are certain criteria that make patients eligible candidates for this procedure. Patients tend to have three different levels of<unk>  lymph nodes; the level helps to determine whether or not the patient should undergo<unk> . __TOC__
Axillary dissection
Axotomy
VATS lobectomy
Metastasectomy
Mastectomy
Lymphadenectomy
FNA Mapping
Wedge resection