AXILLARY LYMPH NODE GROUPS - THE CENTER IN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FROM THE TRUNCAL SKIN IN MAN

DL Munz, P Altmeyer, MJ Sessler, G Hor

Abstract


In order to identify regional lymph node drainage
groups of primary malignant melanomas resp. suspicious
pigmented tumors on truncal skin, lymphoscintigraphy
using 99mTc-Sb2S3 colloid was performed
in 50 patients of either sex prior to operative
treatment. The lymphatic drainage pattern proved
to be practically unpredictable by conventional ana tomic
guidelines based on the thesis of "lymphatic
watersheds".
In 96 percent of the patients examined rad iocolloid
uptake was to be found in one or both of the axillary
lymph node groups, either solely or combined
with inguinal, supraclavicular, posterior cervical or
parasternal node-bearing areas.
In conclusion, axillary lymph node drainage groups
are the center in lymphatic drainage from the truncal
skin in man.


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