This surgery is also called an inguinal node dissection. With this surgery, Dr. Doherty removes the lymph nodes in the groin area on the side of your body that has the tumor. In some cases, the doctor may remove lymph nodes from both sides. Lymph nodes in the groin may be removed even in women with small tumors. Ask your health care provider whether you are a candidate for sentinel node evaluation. Sentinel node evaluation removes fewer lymph nodes to gain accurate staging information and reduces the potential side effects associated with more extensive lymph node removal.