LNs Flashcards
What is the correct technique to palpate for abnormal lymph nodes?
Use the pads of the index and middle fingers (sometimes ring finger used if small hands) to move the skin in circular motions
over the underlying tissues in each area; palpate both sides of the neck simultaneously; describe abnormal nodes in terms of
location, size, mobility, consistency, tenderness
What is the clinical importance of an enlarged LEFT supraclavicular node?
The left supraclavicular nodes drain the thorax and abdomen via the thoracic duct. Therefore, an enlarged node is often
associated with a thoracic/abdominal/pelvic cancer, or lymphoma
What is the significance of finding enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes?
Enlargement of epitrochlear nodes is common in most of the lymphoproliferative disorders except Hodgkin’s disease
What are the anatomical borders that form/contain the pyramidal‐shaped axilla?
Central wall – serratus anterior and the thoracic wall (ribs and intercostal muscles)
* Lateral wall – intertubercular groove of the humerus
* Anterior wall –pectoralis major and the underlying pectoralis minor and the subclavius muscles
* Posterior wall –subscapularis, teres major and latissimus dorsi
What are the anatomical landmarks of the inguinal nodes?
There are two layers of inguinal nodes located below the inguinal ligament which runs from the ilium’s anterior superior iliac
spine (ASIS) to the pubic bone’s tubercle
What other structures/conditions behind the knee might cause a swelling or mass?
Baker’s cyst, Popliteal aneurysm, Lipoma, Localised infection, Fat, Popliteal sarcoma (rare)
What are the risks of not having a spleen?
Asplenia (without a spleen) makes a person at increased risk of infections particularly meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia and
malaria
What the areas of the body drained by each of the above groups of lymph nodes?
Occipital‐‐ Occipital area of the scalp
Pre‐auricular‐‐ Eyelids and conjunctivae, temporal region, pinna
Post ‐auricular‐‐ External auditory meatus, pinna, scalp
Supraclavicular –R/L‐‐ Mediastinum, lungs, oesophagus/thorax and abdomen via thoracic duct
Infraclavicular‐‐ Lateral upper limb and lateral 2 digits
Anterior cervical‐‐ Tongue, tonsil, pinna, parotid
Posterior cervical‐‐ Scalp and neck, skin of arms and pectorals, thorax, cervical and axillary node
Tonsillar‐‐ Tonsils
Submandibular‐‐ Tongue, submaxillary gland, lips and mouth, conjunctivae
Submental‐‐ Lower lip, floor of mouth, tip of tongue, skin of cheek
Axillary‐‐ Lateral quadrant of the breast, superficial chest and upper abdomen, upper limb
Epitrochlear‐‐ Ulnar aspect of the forearm and hand
Inguinal‐‐ Penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, perineum, gluteal region, lower abdo wall, lower anal canal
Popliteal‐‐ Lateral side of foot and leg, knee joint
What are the differences between an inflamed lymph node and a malignant lymph node?
In general: Both can be greater than 1cm in size; Soft/Hard; Tender/Non‐tender; Not fixed to underlying structures/Fixed to
underlying structures; Inflamed overlying skin/tethering to overlying skin
