What does BLND mean in ONCOLOGY

Bilateral Lymph Node Dissection (BLND) is a procedure that removes lymph nodes from both sides of the body in order to diagnose or treat certain cancers.

Bilateral lymph node dissection is typically performed by a surgeon who specializes in removing tumors or other cancerous growths. The surgeon uses imaging technology to guide them during the surgery.

The primary benefit of BLND is that it can help diagnose or treat various types of cancer by removing affected lymph nodes that could otherwise spread the disease throughout the body. Other potential benefits include improved outcomes for cancer treatments and quicker recovery times due to targeted removal of affected areas only.

Although BLND has many potential benefits, there are some risks associated with it such as infection, bleeding, or scarring at the surgical site. Additionally, there may be nerve damage or difficulty breathing if too many nodes are removed in one area. It's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor before undergoing this procedure.

Recovery time varies depending on a variety of factors including how many nodes were removed and where they were located on the body. Generally speaking, recovery time ranges from several days to several weeks depending on how quickly you heal from surgery and if any complications arise afterwards. Pain medication may be prescribed during your recovery period as needed for pain relief.