1.2 Lymph nodes & neck lumps Flashcards
What’s the difference between lymphoedema and lymphadenopathy?
Both are descriptions of swellings, but lymphoedema can happen anywhere whilst lymphadenopathy is localised to the lymph nodes (disease of the lymph nodes). Lymphoedema is where fluid accumulation causes swelling in the body’s tissues, usually affecting the arms and legs. Lymphadenopathy describes swollen lymph nodes due to infection or malignancy
Give three regions of the body where lymph nodes may be palpable without swelling. Name the collections of lymph nodes in each region
- groin/ femoral lymph nodes - armpit / axillary lymph nodes - neck/ cervical lymph nodes
Why is it important to consider lymphadenopathy when examinining a neck lump?
The neck contains almost half of the body’s lymph nodes so it’s likely the swelling could be an enlarged lymph node. Early diagnosis of lymphadenopathy means the infection/ cancer can be treated quicker.
Lymphadenopathy presents differently as an inflammatory or malignant type. Describe the differences upon examination.
Infection of lymph nodes- swelling is tender and mobile
Malignancy of lymph nodes- swelling is either hard, not tender and matted/ rubbery, mobile and fast growing
Where are the superfical cervical nodes found?
Superficial cervical fascia
(same as subcutaneous tissue)
Where are many of the deep cervical lymph nodes found?
In the carotid sheath, associated with the route of the internal jugular vein (also in the carotid sheath).
Contents of carotid sheath: IJV, common carotid artery, deep cervical lymph nodes, vagus nerve/ CNX
The deep cervical lymph nodes are associated with which vessel?
Which vessels are the superficial lymph nodes associated with?
Deep- internal jugular vein in carotid sheath
Superficial- external jugular vein (E.g. superficial, posterior and anterior cervical lymph nodes are relative to the EJV).
Identify and name the deep cervical lymph nodes
9- Jugulo- digastric
10- Julgulo- omohyoid
11- supraclavicular (within supraclavicular fossa)
Labels 1-8 are the superficial cervical lymph nodes. Name them.
1- submental
2- submandibular
3- preauricular
4- post auricular
5- occipital
6- superficial cervical (EJV)
7- posterior cervical (EJV)
8- anterior cervical (EJV)
Which superficial cervical node swells in conjunctivitis? Why?
Pre-auricular because it drains the eyes and forehead
Which deep cervical lymph node is also called the tonsilar node?
Describe which regions of the body drain into the 3 pairs of deep cervical lymph nodes?
Jugulo-digastric; (tonsilar node) drains the palatine tonsils, oral cavity and tongue.
Jugular-omohyoid: oesophagus, trachea, thyrpid gland, tongue, oral cavity,
Supraclavicular- abdomen and thorax
Which deep cevical lymph node swells in the late stages of a maligancy in the chest?
The supraclavicular nodes because they drain teh abdomen and chest
