Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with DCIS and have chosen to have a single mastectomy. The surgeon is also going to remove a few lymph nodes from my armpit in order to check for invasive cancer.  Since my appointment, I have been reading about lymph node removal and the potential problems this can cause such as lymphoedema, infection etc. 

I’ve been informed that I can refuse to have the lymph nodes removed but may then need a further operation if the cells are not contained within the ducts.

I don’t want to have the lymph nodes removed if it’s not necessary but wonder if, apart from having a second operation, there’s a reason for agreeing to their removal?

Has anyone had any experience of this please?

It’s so difficult as I don’t want to make the wrong choice.

Thank you.