Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:

Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_1060_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
31.08.2026
Размер:
22 Мб
Скачать
Examination of Lymphatic System
https://t.me/med1917
Microanatomy of Lymph Node
Lymph node contains three regions—cortex; para­cortex and medulla. Cortex contains mainly follicles. It may be rounded lymphocytic aggregations of primary follicles or lymphocytic aggregation with germinal centers of secondary follicles due to antigenic stimula­tion. It contains B lymphocytes, macrophages, den­dritic reticulum cells. Germinal center is surrounded by small B lymphocytes. Both cortex and medulla are associated with humoral immunity. Proliferation of germinal centers suggests active humoral immunity with antibody production. Central medulla contains mainly lymphatic sinuses, arteries and veins, plasma cell and B lymphocytes. Paracortex is located in a zone between cortex and medulla. It contains T lymphocytes, related to cell mediated immunity. Post-capillary venules with high endothelial cells and lymphocytes in the wall are typical. In cell mediated immunity, paracortex expansion occurs. Af ferent lymph vessels enter the node through the capsule. It enters the marginal sinus, communicates with intranodal sinus, merging as efferent lymph vessels which enter the hilum. Intranodal sinus lining is highly phagocytic containing littoral cells and sinus lining histiocytes. Main artery and veins pass through the hilum to enter the medulla, paracortex and inner part of cortex. Superficial cortex is supplied by direct capsular vessels.
Function
Most of the intravascular proteins are daily filtered through lymphatics and return to circulation again. Macromolecules and microbes are also filtered at the nodal level as first immune system. From GIT fat is absorbed directly through lymphatics. Lymph shows centripetal flow. T ransport is mainly due to intrinsic contractility of the lymphatic vessels which contain valves for effective forward flow. To a lesser extent only other factors like muscle contraction, arterial pressure, thoracic pressure, respiratory movements play role.
171
Tuberculous lymphadenitis occurs in young age group. It is common in neck nodes. Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs in both young and elderly with bimodal age occurrence. Malignant secondaries in lymph nodes occur in old age. Non-specific adenitis, HIV infected lymphadenopathy can occur in any age group. Filarial lymphadenitis is common in any age group especially in certain parts of India and other developing countries. It commonly affects inguinal lymph nodes. Primary lymphoedema occurs in younger age group; secondary lymphoedema occurs in middle aged and elderly (Figs 7.3 to 7.10).
Filarial lymphoedema is more common in tropical countries. In India it is common in coastal areas. Orissa is the most affected state in India.
Fig. 7.3: Bilateral axillary lymph nodes—lymphoma. Entire
lymphatic system has to be examined thoroughly.
History taking includes:
Name: Address: Age: Sex: Occupation:
Fig. 7.4: Tuberculous cold abscess neck.
172
https://t.me/med1917
Fig. 7.5: Fungating secondaries in the neck.
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
Fig. 7.6: Filarial lymphoedema—elephantiasis left leg.
Also upper limb lymphoedema left side.
Fig. 7.7: Lymphoedema left lower limb after left sided
A
Figs 7.8A and B: Lymphoedema left sided in a male patient
due to studded advanced cancer in left axillary nodes and chest wall. In photo B, female patient having lymph­oedema right upper limb following mastectomy with axillary clearance.
ilioinguinal block dissection.
B
Examination of Lymphatic System
https://t.me/med1917
173
A B
Figs 7.9A to C: Right upper limb lymphoedema in a male who underwent reduction surgery for the same.
A
Figs 7.10A and B: Lymphoedema of scrotum and penis in two different patients.
A
C
174
https://t.me/med1917
Lymphoedema, primary or secondary is more
common in females.
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
Chief Complaints
History of swelling and duration. History of pain and duration.
History
History of Present Illness
Swelling
Swelling is the common presentation in lymphadeno­pathy. Which group enlarged first has to be noted. Its progress, presence of pain, whether reduced in size has to be noted. Enlarged lymph node if reduced in size after some time means it is of inflammatory origin; there is no spontaneous reduction in size in neoplastic conditions. Number of swellings is also important. Lymphoma may show multiple groups of nodal enlargement. Site of the origin of first swelling is impor- tant. If it is in the upper neck, then probably it may be either due to tuberculosis or primary in the oral cavity/ pharynx/larynx. If it is in the lower neck then primary may be in oesophagus/bronchus, etc. Acute lymph­adenitis is of short duration with pain and fever (with features of acute inflammation—redness, warmness, pain, and loss of function at the site). Malignancy in the lymph node either primary lymphoma or secondaries (metastases) are also of short duration (in few weeks). But initially it is painless. It is rapidly progressive and later may become painful. Tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis and sarcoidosis are of long duration and commonly painless. In syphilis lymph node enlarge­ment occurs in secondary syphilis. Syphilis, brucel­losis, sarcoidosis are rare now . T uberculous lympha­denitis is still common condition in developing coun­tries like India. Tuberculous lymphadenitis is much more common in HIV infected or immunosuppressed patients.
Pain
Acute lymphadenitis is painful. T uberculosis is pain­less. If there is secondary infection pain can occur. Malignant lymphoma and secondaries in lymph node are initially painless but can be painful once there is fixity, necrosis, infiltration into deeper planes and nerves or fungation or secondary infection.
Fever
Continuous high grade fever occurs in acute lymphadenitis with suppuration. Evening rise of temperature is seen in tuberculous disease. But many patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis may not show any fever (fever is not always seen in tuberculous lymphadenitis). In Hodgkin’s lymphoma intermittent fever (Pel-Ebstein fever) may be present which also decides prognosis and staging. Pel-Ebstein fever is also seen in brucellosis. Fever is not common in secondaries but can occur due to sepsis, tumour necrosis, and fungation.
Other Relevant History
History of cough, haemoptysis, chest pain in tuber­culosis (tuberculous lymphadenitis may often be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis); hoarseness of voice due to pressure on recurrent laryngeal nerve either by lymph nodes in tracheooesophageal groove or by mediastinal nodes on left side compressing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve; dysphagia due to compression over oesophagus; swelling of face and neck due to compression of superior vena cava by superior mediastinal lymph nodes; stridor or dyspnoea by pressure on the trachea or bronchus. If nodes are secondaries, hoarseness/dyspnoea/dysphagia are may be features of primary tumour in larynx/bronchus/ pharynx or oesophagus. Often tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis may be associated with laryngeal tuberculosis causing hoarseness of voice. Upper limb oedema may be present in axillary node enlargement due to compression. Inguinal lymph node enlargement may cause lower limb lymphoedema or venous oedema due to compression or lymphatic block or infiltration by malignant lymph node. Retroperitoneal nodal enlargement can cause compression/encasement of IVC/iliac vessels causing oedema of lower limbs.
History of bleeding gums is common in leukaemia, lymphomas, and blood dyscrasias.
History of loss of appetite and reduced weight is important in lymphomas, advanced secondaries, AIDS, etc.
History of trauma is often important in acute lymphadenitis.
Examination of Lymphatic System
https://t.me/med1917
History of night sweats, rigors, pruritis, and bone pain are important symptoms in lymphoma. Bone pain may be observed in the sternum, ribs, vertebra, etc. Jaundice may suggest liver secondaries; haemoptysis and chest pain may suggest lung secondaries; bone pain could be due to metastases.
Past History
Past history of any disease like tuberculosis, treatment received, earlier investigations like chest X-ray , FNAC, biopsy. Earlier treatment for malignancy with radio­therapy or chemotherapy should be asked for.
Personal History
History of smoking—its duration, number of cigarettes; alcohol intake—duration, quantity; chewing pan— duration, placing quid in the cheek; snuff abuse; dietary habits; history of sexual contact in case of HIV infection, syphilis, etc.
Family History
History suggestive of any disease or treatment taken for any specific condition by the family members is important. Tuberculosis can occur among many family members. Lymphoma can run in families.
175
culosis, lymphatic leukaemia, sarcoidosis, brucellosis etc; Size—It is important in staging metastatic nodal status (N stage); Shape—Globular, hemispherical, oval; extent from a bony part, Surface—Smooth in lymphoma and tuberculosis, irregular in secondaries; Margin—W ell-defined or ill-defined; Pulsation—As transmitted pulsation due to compression over adjacent major arteries like aorta/femoral/abdominal aorta; Peristalsis—May be visible in mesenteric lymph­adenitis causing subacute obstruction; Impulse on coughing—may be present in swellings in relation to cavities like thorax; Dilated veins over the swelling—May be visible due to compression over the major veins in the neck or SVC in the mediastinum; oedema over the swelling or distal to it like in the limbs may be seen; venous engorgement of face can be seen in neck swelling (Fig. 7.11) . Tuberculosis and Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually occurs in the neck lymph nodes; filariasis and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV L1, 2, 3) occurs in groin lymph nodes. Epitrochlear and suboccipital nodes are involved in secondary syphilis. Epitrochlear nodes also can get involved in Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
General Examination
Detailed general examination is very essential. Anaemia/oedema/jaundice/clubbing/lymphadeno­pathy should be noted. Radial pulse/blood pressure/ raise in temperature must be recorded. Attitude of the patient/nutritional assessment by skin texture, sub­cutaneous fat, weight, body mass index/any other relevant findings should be mentioned. Cachexia signifies advanced malignancy or tuberculosis. Increased pulse rate and fever suggests swelling with inflammatory pathology.
Local Examination
Inspection
Swelling
Detailed inspection for swelling which is discussed in swelling chapter should be done. Number—multiple lymph nodal enlargement occurs in lymphoma, tuber-
Fig. 7.11: Dilated veins in the neck left sided with enlarged lymph nodes. It could be lymphoma/secondaries with mediastinal node enlargement compressing SVC.
Skin over the swelling is red, inflamed, oedematous in acute lymphadenitis. It may be tense, shiny with often dilated veins in lymphoma. Skin ulceration, skin adherent to swelling underneath, fungation is common in secondaries in lymph nodes. Scar, sinus, ulcer may suggest tuberculosis or malignancy.
176
https://t.me/med1917
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
Features suggestive of pressure effects should be looked for:
Diffuse swelling of face and neck with dilated veins in this region suggests compression over major veins in neck or SVC obstruction in mediastinum. Axillary lymph nodes when enlarged may cause upper limb venous oedema. Neck nodes causing compression over subclavian vein also cause similar effect. Compression on hypoglossal nerve (causes deviation of tongue towards the same side with hemiparesis of tongue muscles of same side)/spinal accessory nerve palsy (causes defective shrugging of shoulder against resistance with wasting of trapezius muscle)/cervical sympathetic nerve (causes Horner’s syndrome— enophthalmos due to decreased aqueous humour and pressure, miosis, anhydrosis, ptosis and loss of ciliospinal reflex) can be evident in large fixed neck nodes due to secondaries. Tracheal compression by the neck nodes causes stridor. Lower limb oedema may be evident in iliac or caval nodal enlargement (Fig. 7.12).
Local Rise of Temperature
It is seen in acute lymphadenitis, and often in vascular tumours like lymphoma. Lymph node secondaries may show local rise in temperature when once infection develops in it. Increase in vascularity also may add for the cause (Fig. 7.13).
1. Tenderness over the swelling is present in acute lymphadenitis, advanced/late stage secondaries. Enlarged nodes due to tuberculosis, syphilis and sarcoidosis are usually nontender.
2. Number, size, shape and extent should be assessed by palpation. Symmetrical and consecu­tive group of lymph node involvement is seen in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Asymmetrical involve­ment of lymph nodes is common in NHL. It is better to measure the swelling in two dimensions. Margin is assessed whether it is well-defined or ill-defined. Often some part of the margin may be clear and in such occasion the margin which is not clear should be mentioned. In the neck if lower margin is not clear then it is considered that it may be extending into the superior media­stinum.
4. Surface should be felt whether it is smooth or nodular . It may be smooth in lymphoma, nodular
Fig. 7.12: Related neurological involvement (nerve infiltration by malignant tumour) causing altered sensory and motor functions. Example hypoglossal nerve involvement by neck secondaries can cause deviation of tongue towards same side.
Palpation
Normal lymph nodes are usually not palpable.
Fig. 7.13: Warmness should be looked for in lymph
node enlargement.
Examination of Lymphatic System
https://t.me/med1917
in secondaries, typically matted in tuberculous lymphadenitis (due to periadenitis in caseating tuberculous lymphadenitis). Lymph nodes may be adherent to each other in lymphoma and secon­daries. Discrete lymph nodes are often observed in lymphoma and hyperplastic tuberculous lymp­hadenitis. Discrete lymph nodes are also observed in lymphatic leukaemia, sarcoidosis, brucellosis, HIV infection and syphilis.
4. Consistency is very important finding to decide the pathology of the lymph node. It may be soft and fluctuant in cold abscess, suppurated lymph node or where there is tumour necrosis usually over summit (here remaining part of the swelling may be hard). In Hodgkin’s lymphoma it has typical India rubber consistency with firm and elastic nature. In Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma it may be soft/firm/hard or variable in consistency. Shotty discrete lymph nodes are observed in syphilis.
5. Mobility of swelling should be checked in two perpendicular directions. Once it is checked muscle in relation to it should be contracted and mobility should be checked to find out the fixity.
6. Fixity of swelling can occur to overlying skin; adjacent muscle either superficial or deep; deep fascia; bone in the deeper plane; vessels and nerves. Swelling is non-mobile when nodes are fixed to bone in deeper plane. Swelling when adherent to the muscle show mobility, but mobi­lity reduces when the muscle is contracted. Skin fixity is checked by moving the skin over the swelling or by pinching the skin (Fig. 7.14).
7. Fluctuation test is important when it is soft or tensely cystic. Fluctuation is observed in cold abscess (tuberculosis), when there is suppuration in lymph node with abscess formation, and when there is tumour necrosis. It is done with fingers after fixing the swelling or by Paget’s method of eliciting the fluctuation (Fig. 7.15).
8. Plane of the swelling should be assessed. Whether it lies superficial/deep to deep fascia; deep to muscle should be assessed. It is done by stretching the deep fascia or by contracting the muscle underneath against resistance.
9. Involvement of neurovascular bundle should be assessed. Carotid and superficial temporal artery
177
Fig. 7.14: Skin over the swelling is adherent to node underneath or not should be checked by pinching the skin.
Fig. 7.15: First mobility of the node/swelling is checked in relaxed position. Muscle underneath is then contracted against resistance to check the change in mobility. If node is adherent to muscle, mobility will be restricted.
pulsation in neck nodal mass; femoral artery or distal arteries of the lower limb in groin nodes; radial artery pulsation in axillary nodes should be checked. Infiltration to adjacent nerve should be assessed by checking altered sensory and motor function (Figs 7.16 and 7.17).
178
https://t.me/med1917
Fig. 7.16: Palpation of carotid pulse. Neurovascular
bundle should be examined in nodal enlargement.
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
by placing two fingers on the swelling. In transmitted pulsation fingers move only perpendicular (as raised without separating apart and away) over the surface but not apart. In expansile pulsation (due to arterial disease like aneurysm) fingers deviate apart (raised and separated) properly. Para-aortic nodes show transmitted pulsation due to close proximity to the aorta. The pulsation is checked in supine position and later confirmed in lateral and knee elbow position. In transmitted pulsation (nodal mass), pulsation reduces or disappears in changed positions whereas expansile aortic pulsation will remain same as before.
Drainage Area
Drainage area of lymph nodes should be examined. It suggests the origin of the disease in the lymph node (secondaries from carcinoma or melanoma/tuber­culosis/lymphadenitis) from a primary focus in the drainage area.
Fig. 7.17: Pulse distal to the node should be examined for compression at the nodal level. Palpation of superficial temporal artery is done in neck node enlargement.
10. Transillumination test is negative in most of the lymph nodal enlargement. Only cystic hygroma in infants and acquired lymph cyst in any age group are brilliantly transilluminant.
11. Transmitted pulsation may be evident in large node sitting on the major artery . It is confirmed
Lymph Nodes in the Groin
They are divided into superficial and deep. Deep is called as Cloquet’s node. It drains from glans penis or clitoris. Superficial lymph nodes are divided into vertical and horizontal groups. Vertical drains from lower limb. Horizontal chains are divided into medial and lateral. In carcinoma penis inguinal nodes are divided into five zones (zones of Rouviere) by a vertical and horizontal line centering at saphenous opening. Zone 1-superolateral; zone 2-superomedial; zone 3-inferomedial; zone 4-inferolateral; zone 5 is central. Superomedial zone 2 contains sentinel sapheno- epigastric node of Cabanas. They are palpated in supine position in relation to inguinal ligament in relaxed position (Fig. 7.18). Inguinal lymph nodes drain (from umbilicus to toes) entire lower limb, perineum, penis, scrotum, vulva, anus, buttock, lower anal canal, lower urethra, vagina, skin over lower abdomen below the umbilicus.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
They drain entire upper limb, trunks, breast, and chest wall from the clavicle to umbilicus. Axillary lymph nodes are divided into three levels in relation to
Examination of Lymphatic System
https://t.me/med1917
Fig. 7.18: Inguinal lymph node palpation.
pectoralis minor muscle. Berg’s levels—Level I: Below the pectoralis minor; Level II: behind the pectoralis minor; Level III: above the pectoralis minor.
179
which cause axillary lymph node enlargement are carci­noma breast; tuberculosis; lymphoma; lymphadenitis; any inflammatory or neoplastic pathology in upper limb, trunk, above umbilicus. While palpating number, size, surface, discrete or adherent, tenderness, consis­tency, mobility , fixity should be assessed. For staging in carcinoma breast (N staging), fixity/mobility of nodes, whether discrete or not are important features to be assessed. Which groups are enlarged is not important for staging. Palpable nodes are commonly significant in carcinoma breast; but non-palpable situation does not confirm the absence of metastases. 50% of clinically impalpable axillary nodes show histologically positive features after axillary dissection in carcinoma breast (Fig. 7.20).
Examination of Axillary Lymph Nodes
Patient will be in sitting position in a stool. Right axilla is palpated using left hand and vice versa. Both axillae should be examined always (Fig. 7.19). Conditions
Fig. 7.19: Axilla should be inspected with arm raised
above in sitting position.
Fig. 7.20: Carcinoma breast with secondaries in
axillary nodes.
Palpation of Axillary Lymph Nodes
Anterior group (pectoral group) is situated behind the anterior axillary fold. The patient’s arm is raised from her/his side and extended fingers of the right hand (for left axillary node) is passed into the axilla and insinuated beneath the pectoralis major. Pulp of the fingers is directed forwards and arm of the patient is lowered to rest relaxed over the forearm of the examiner’s right hand. Pectoral nodes are palpated between thumb in front and fingers behind the muscle (Figs 7.21A and B).
180
https://t.me/med1917
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
A
Figs 7.21A and B: Examination of pectoral nodes.
A B
Figs 7.22A and B: Examination of medial/central group of lymph nodes.
Central group (medial group) is over the lateral thoracic wall. The patient’s arm is raised from side and extended fingers of the right hand of the examiner are passed high up to the apex of left axilla of the patient. Palm and fingers are directed towards the lateral thoracic wall. Patient’s arm is relaxed down and forerarm rests and relaxed on the examiner’s forearm. Non-examining hand (left hand) of the examiner is placed on the right shoulder of the patient to steady and control the examination. Hand and fingers in the axilla are still pushed high up; hand is cupped with fingers sliding and moving over the lateral thoracic
B
wall to feel the slipping of the lymph nodes between fingers (Figs 7.22A and B).
Lateral/brachial axillary nodes are situated over the axillary vein. After placing the hand and fingers high in axilla, palm and fingers are directed laterally over the humerus beneath the insertion of the pectoralis major over third part of axillary vessels. Opposite hand of the examiner depresses the patient’s shoulder for better assess.
Subscapular lymph nodes are located in the posterior axillary fold in relation to latissimus dorsi muscle. It