全身与腋窝淋巴结分区.pdfVIP

FAC TS FO R LI FE Axillary Lymph Nodes Lymphatic system and axillary nodes The lymphatic system, much like the circulatory system, runs throughout the body and carries fluid, cells and other materials. These materials are carried to the lymph nodes in a colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph nodes are small clumps of immune cells that act as filters for the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes also store white blood cells (called lymphocytes) that help fight infection. Lymph nodes in the underarm are called the axillary [AK-sil-air-e] nodes. They are important in determining breast cancer stage and the likelihood that breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. During surgery, some axillary nodes may be removed to see if cancer cells are present. The lymphatic system runs throughout the body. Axillary nodes and breast cancer The axillary nodes form a chain from the underarm to the collarbone. Level 1 nodes are located in the underarm and receive most of the lymph fluid from the collarbone level 3 breast. Level 2 nodes are farther up and receive the fluid from Level 1 and some fluid from the breast and level chest wall. Level 3 nodes are below the collarbone and supraclavicular level 1 nodes receive fluid from Levels 1 and 2 and from the upper part of the breast and chest wall. Supraclavicular internal lymph nodes are located above the collarbone. W