Original Article

Cadaver study on the location of suboccipital lymph nodes: Guidance for suboccipital node dissection

Hidde J. Veenstra MD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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W. Martin C. Klop MD, PhD,

Corresponding Author

W. Martin C. Klop MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Skin and Melanoma Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Corresponding author: W.M.C. Klop, Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Peter J.F.M. Lohuis MD, PhD,

Peter J.F.M. Lohuis MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Omgo E. Nieweg MD, PhD,

Omgo E. Nieweg MD, PhD

Skin and Melanoma Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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M. Loes van Velthuysen MD, PhD,

M. Loes van Velthuysen MD, PhD

Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Alfons J.M. Balm MD, PhD,

Alfons J.M. Balm MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Department of Otolaryngology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Hidde J. Veenstra MD,

Hidde J. Veenstra MD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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W. Martin C. Klop MD, PhD,

Corresponding Author

W. Martin C. Klop MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Skin and Melanoma Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Peter J.F.M. Lohuis MD, PhD,

Peter J.F.M. Lohuis MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Omgo E. Nieweg MD, PhD,

Omgo E. Nieweg MD, PhD

Skin and Melanoma Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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M. Loes van Velthuysen MD, PhD,

M. Loes van Velthuysen MD, PhD

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Alfons J.M. Balm MD, PhD,

Alfons J.M. Balm MD, PhD

Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Department of Otolaryngology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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First published: 22 April 2013

https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.23354

Citations: 5

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Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to provide anatomic guidance for the extent (technique) of suboccipital node dissection.

Methods

Five human cadaver necks (9 sides) were studied. Boundaries were the superior nuchal line and external occipital protuberance (cranial), the nuchal ligament (medial), an imaginary line through C7 (caudal), and the posterior wall of the auditory channel (anterior). The overlying skin and complete thickness of the cranial part of the trapezius muscle and fascia sheath was included (deep).

Results

An average number of 4 lymph nodes per suboccipital side were found. Diameters ranged from 1 to 6 mm. Twenty nodes (63%) were located in the subcutaneous tissue, 12 (37%) were found just underneath the superficial fascia of the trapezius muscle.

Conclusion

Suboccipital nodes are small and mainly located in the subcutaneous layer, with a minority just underneath the superficial fascia of the trapezius muscle. This anatomic knowledge was used to refine the suboccipital dissection. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 682–686, 2014

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Volume36, Issue5

May 2014

Pages 682-686

Cadaver study on the location of suboccipital lymph nodes: Guidance for suboccipital node dissection

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Cadaver study on the location of suboccipital lymph nodes: Guidance for suboccipital node dissection

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

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