World Journal of Surgical Oncology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Axillary staging and treatment in breast cancer. As one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, breast cancer presents a significant public health challenge.With better understanding of the disease process, treatment approaches have become more precise and tailored as per various subtypes of breast cancer. The axilla, or armpit, is a critical area for staging, as it often serves as the first site of metastasis for breast cancer. Accurate axillary staging is essential for determining prognosis, guiding treatment decisions, and ultimately improving clinical outcomes. Surgical staging of the axilla contributes to a majority of postoperative morbidity and remains a challenge. By enhancing our understanding of axillary staging and carefully examining the evidence available for various approaches of this surgery, we can refine surgical techniques, optimize patient management, and improve quality of life for those affected by this disease.
Advancing our collective understanding of axillary staging in breast cancer is crucial for several reasons. As one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, breast cancer presents a significant public health challenge. The axilla, or armpit, is a critical area for staging, as it often serves as the first site of metastasis for breast cancer. Accurate axillary staging is essential for determining prognosis, guiding treatment decisions, and ultimately improving clinical outcomes. By enhancing our understanding of axillary staging, we can refine surgical techniques, optimize patient management, and improve quality of life for those affected by this disease.
Recent advances in axillary staging have transformed the landscape of breast cancer treatment. The introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has revolutionized the approach to axillary staging, allowing for a less invasive method of assessing lymph node involvement. This technique has significantly reduced the need for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which is associated with higher morbidity, including lymphedema and decreased quality of life. Additionally, the integration of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and MRI, has enhanced the accuracy of preoperative staging, enabling more precise treatment planning.
The advent of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has also played a pivotal role in axillary staging. By administering chemotherapy before surgery, clinicians can assess the response of the tumor and its lymphatic spread, potentially allowing for a more tailored surgical approach. Furthermore, the exploration of molecular markers and prognostic factors has opened new avenues for precision medicine in breast cancer treatment. These advancements not only improve the accuracy of staging but also provide insights into the biological behavior of tumors, allowing for more personalized treatment strategies.
In conclusion, the importance of advancing our collective understanding of axillary staging in breast cancer cannot be overstated. As we continue to explore innovative approaches and refine existing techniques, we can enhance clinical outcomes, improve quality of life, and ultimately make strides toward eradicating the burden of breast cancer.
**Topics for the Collection:**
- Advances in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Axillary sampling/Low axillary clearance
- Minimally Invasive Techniques in Axillary Staging
- Imaging Modalities for Axillary Assessment
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Staging
- Molecular Markers in Breast Cancer
- Prognostic Factors in Axillary Staging
- Quality of Life Post-Surgery
- Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer Treatment
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