TRACK(S): GEN, ONC

Moderator: Tina W. F. Yen, MD, MS, FACS, Milwaukee, WI
Co-Moderator: Laurie J. Kirstein, MD, FACS, New York, NY

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), identified routine axillary dissection after a positive sentinel node as an area of concern and need for improved surgical education  as part of the American Medical Association (AMA) Choosing Wisely project. As stated by the ASBS after a sentinel node biopsy has been performed “Recent evidence suggests further node surgery is not necessary in patients with cancer found in fewer than three sentinel node (SN) if the patient receives other recommended cancer treatments.” This session will elaborate on and discuss this recommendation and the role of axillary radiation as well clinical scenarios in which an axillary dissection is appropriate.

Presentations and Speakers

Introduction
Tina W.F. Yen, MD, MS, FACS, Milwaukee, WI

When Is Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Obsolete?
Mehra Golshan, MD, FACS, Boston, MA

When Is Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Still Recommended?
Barbara L. Smith, MD, FACS, Boston, MA

How Best to Avoid an Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Melissa L. Pilewskie, MD, FACS, New York, NY

Discussion
Laurie J. Kirstein, MD, FACS, New York, NY