Case Study 2 Ms. Jackson, a 58-year old woman, has experienced intermittent pain in her left nipple along with swelling and thickening of the breast and swelling in the axillary region. She doesn’t feel a distinct lump but decides to make an appointment.
1. A nurse palpated the axillary area and felt enlarged lymph nodes. Describe signs and symptoms that help to distinguish cancerous lymph nodes from infected lymph nodes.

2. What other diagnostic tools could be use to determine if Ms. Jackson has cancerous tissue in her breast or lymph nodes?

Tests revealed information that determined Ms. Jackson was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She has undergone a left radical mastectomy, where the left breast was removed, along with left axillary lymph nodes and vessels.

3. What effect would the removal of lymph nodes have on the drainage of the pectoral region and the arm? Can you think of a clinical term?

4. Her left arm is severely swollen and painful, and she is unable to raise it more than shoulder height. Explain her signs and symptoms – why is this occurring?

5. How does the lymphatic system both help and hinder the spread of cancer through the body?

6. Describe why the prognosis of cancer is best when there is no detectable spread from the region of the primary tumor to the lymph nodes.