Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
  • Dissection
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Melanoma

Axillary Lymphadenectomy

Axillary lymphadenectomy, or axillary dissection, is a surgical procedure to remove lymphatic tissue from the axilla. Although, historically, this procedure was routinely performed alongside mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, its use has declined with advancements in breast cancer biology, systemic therapies, and less invasive alternatives proven effective in clinical trials. Currently, axillary lymphadenectomy is primarily reserved for managing clinically involved axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Axillary lymphadenectomy involves careful dissection to preserve vital anatomical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, while removing fibrofatty tissue and lymph nodes. Postoperative care emphasizes managing complications, including lymphedema, seroma, nerve injury, and wound infections. Although axillary lymphadenectomy is performed less frequently nowadays, it remains crucial in specific clinical scenarios, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced treatments, highlighting the need for surgical expertise and attentive postoperative management. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in recognizing the indications for axillary lymphadenectomy, performing surgical techniques effectively, and implementing interprofessional management strategies to treat patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 8 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one