Background: The role of supraclavicular lymph node dissection (SCLND) in breast cancer patients with ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (ISLM) remains controversial. So far, there have been no effective imaging methods to precisely judge the feasibility of SCLND and the modes of ISLM.
Case report: We innovatively applied a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction system to assess the feasibility of SCLND preoperatively for 13 breast cancer patients with ISLM. Based on the 3D reconstruction system and intraoperative findings, we performed lymph node dissection of their lesion areas. Compared to computed tomography or ultrasonography, the 3D reconstruction system found more lymph nodes not only in the ipsilateral supraclavicular area but also in other areas in which metastasis may occur (p < 0.05), and provided visual images pertaining to the relationship between the lymph nodes and major blood vessels, nerves, and muscles.
Conclusion: The 3D reconstruction system could significantly benefit the precise assessment of the lesion area and facilitate subsequent relevant surgery.
Keywords: 3D reconstruction system; Breast cancer; Breast neoplasms; Ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis; Lymphatic metastasis; Surgical therapy.