EXAMINATION

The lymphatic system is examined by inspection and palpation, region by region, during the examination of other body systems, as well as with palpation of the spleen.

Lymph Nodes Most Accessible to Inspection and Palpation

The more superficial the node, the more accessible it is to your palpation.

“Necklace” of Nodes

Parotid and retropharyngeal (tonsillar)

Submandibular

Submental

Sublingual (facial)

Superficial anterior cervical

Superficial posterior cervical

Preauricular and postauricular

Occipital

Supraclavicular

Arms

Axillary

Epitrochlear (cubital)

Legs

Superficial superior inguinal

Superficial inferior inguinal

Occasionally, popliteal

TECHNIQUE	FINDINGS
HEAD AND NECK
Inspect visible nodes
Ask if patient is aware of any lumps.	UNEXPECTED:Edema, erythema, red streaks, or lesions.

Palpate superficial nodes; note size, consistency, mobility, tenderness, warmth
Bend patient’s head slightly forward or to side. Palpate gently with pads of second, third, fourth fingers.
HEAD AND NECK
Occipital nodes at base of skull Postauricular nodes over mastoid process Preauricular nodes in front of ears Parotid and retropharyngeal nodes at angle of mandible Submandibular nodes between angle and tip of mandible Submental nodes behind tip of mandible	EXPECTED:Nodes accessible to palpation but not large or firm enough to be felt. UNEXPECTED:Enlarged, tender, red or discolored, fixed, matted, inflamed, or warm nodes; increased vascularity.

NECK
Superficial cervical nodes at sternocleidomastoid Posterior cervical nodes along anterior border of trapezius Deep cervical nodes along anterior border of trapezius	EXPECTED:Nodes accessible to palpation but not large or firm enough to be felt. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue You may also need Male Genitalia Heart Musculoskeletal System Head-to-Toe Examination Head and Neck Female Genitalia Abdomen The History Share this: Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Like this: Like Loading... Related Tags: Mosby's Physical Examination Handbook Mar 25, 2017 \| Posted by admin in PHYSIOLOGY \| Comments Off on Lymphatic System Full access? Get Clinical Tree Get Clinical Tree app for offline access Get Clinical Tree app for offline access %d bloggers like this: