Where are a dog’s lymph nodes located. How do lymph nodes contribute to a dog’s immune system. What causes swollen lymph nodes in dogs. When should you be concerned about your dog’s lymph nodes.

Understanding the Canine Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in a dog’s overall health and immune function. It consists of several interconnected components that work together to defend the body against pathogens and maintain proper fluid balance. Let’s explore the key elements of this complex system:

• Lymph nodes
• Lymphoid organs and tissues (e.g., bone marrow, spleen, thymus)
• Lymphatic vessels
• Lymph fluid

Each of these components contributes to the efficient functioning of a dog’s immune system, helping to fight infections and remove cellular debris from the bloodstream.

The Role of Lymph Nodes in Canine Immunity

Lymph nodes serve as critical checkpoints within the lymphatic system. They act as filters, trapping potential threats and initiating immune responses. Inside these small, bean-shaped structures, specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes await activation to combat foreign invaders.

How do lymph nodes contribute to a dog’s immune system? Lymph nodes function as training grounds for immune cells, allowing them to recognize and respond to pathogens effectively. When lymph fluid flows through these nodes, it exposes foreign particles to immune cells, triggering a cascade of events that lead to an appropriate immune response.

Mapping Dog Lymph Node Locations

Understanding the location of your dog’s lymph nodes is essential for monitoring their health. While some lymph nodes are deep within the body and inaccessible to touch, several sets of peripheral lymph nodes can be easily palpated during regular health checks.

Key Lymph Node Locations in Dogs

Where are a dog’s lymph nodes located? The five main sets of peripheral lymph nodes in dogs that can be felt include:

1. Submandibular lymph nodes: Located on either side of the lower jaw where it meets the neck
2. Prescapular lymph nodes (superficial cervical lymph nodes): Found in front of the shoulder blade where the neck and shoulder meet
3. Axillary lymph nodes: Situated in the armpit region
4. Inguinal lymph nodes: Located in the groin area
5. Popliteal lymph nodes: Found at the back of the stifle (knee) joint

Among these, the submandibular and popliteal lymph nodes are typically the easiest for pet owners to detect and examine.

The Journey of Lymph Through the Canine Body

To fully appreciate the importance of lymph nodes, it’s crucial to understand how lymph fluid travels through a dog’s body. This process involves several stages:

From Blood to Lymph

As blood circulates through the body, some of its fluid component seeps into surrounding tissues. This interstitial fluid delivers nutrients to cells and collects waste products, foreign particles, and damaged cells. Subsequently, it drains into lymphatic vessels, transforming into lymph fluid.

Lymph Flow and Filtration

How does lymph flow through a dog’s body? Muscle contractions help propel lymph through lymphatic vessels and into lymph nodes. Within these nodes, foreign invaders are filtered out and exposed to various immune cells, initiating complex immune responses when necessary.

Returning to the Bloodstream

After passing through lymph nodes, lymph fluid continues its journey, eventually emptying back into the venous system. This process ensures that potentially harmful substances are dealt with before re-entering the general circulation.

Recognizing Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs

Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, can be an indication of various health issues in dogs. As a pet owner, being able to identify enlarged lymph nodes is an important skill.

Causes of Lymph Node Enlargement

What causes swollen lymph nodes in dogs? Several factors can lead to lymph node enlargement:

• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• Inflammation
• Immune-mediated diseases
• Cancer (lymphoma or metastatic tumors)
• Allergic reactions

It’s important to note that swollen lymph nodes are typically a symptom rather than a disease itself, indicating an underlying health issue that requires attention.

How to Check Your Dog’s Lymph Nodes

Regular examination of your dog’s lymph nodes can help you detect any abnormalities early. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your dog’s lymph nodes:

1. Start with the submandibular lymph nodes, gently feeling under your dog’s jaw on both sides
2. Move to the prescapular lymph nodes, located in front of the shoulder blades
3. Check the axillary region for any swelling in the armpit area
4. Examine the inguinal region in the groin area
5. Finally, feel for the popliteal lymph nodes behind each knee

Remember to be gentle and patient during this process, as some dogs may be sensitive to touch in these areas.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Lymph Node Issues

While it’s beneficial to regularly check your dog’s lymph nodes, it’s equally important to know when professional help is needed.

Signs That Warrant Veterinary Attention

When should you be concerned about your dog’s lymph nodes? Seek veterinary care if you notice:

• Persistent swelling of one or more lymph nodes
• Rapid enlargement of lymph nodes
• Lymph nodes that feel hard or fixed in place
• Accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
• Any unusual changes in your dog’s behavior or health alongside swollen lymph nodes

Early detection and professional assessment can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for your canine companion.

Diagnostic Approaches for Lymph Node Abnormalities

When a veterinarian suspects issues with a dog’s lymph nodes, they may employ various diagnostic techniques to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Common Diagnostic Procedures

How do veterinarians diagnose lymph node problems in dogs? Some common diagnostic approaches include:

• Physical examination: A thorough hands-on assessment of all accessible lymph nodes
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A minimally invasive procedure to collect cell samples from enlarged lymph nodes
• Biopsy: Surgical removal of a portion or entire lymph node for detailed examination
• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other systemic issues
• Imaging studies: X-rays, ultrasounds, or advanced imaging like CT scans to visualize internal lymph nodes and surrounding structures

These diagnostic tools help veterinarians gather crucial information about the nature and extent of lymph node abnormalities.

Treatment Options for Lymph Node Disorders in Dogs

The treatment of lymph node issues in dogs varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Veterinarians tailor treatment plans to address the specific condition and its severity.

Common Treatment Approaches

What are some typical treatments for canine lymph node problems? Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for lymphoma or other cancers
• Immunosuppressive drugs for immune-mediated conditions
• Supportive care to manage symptoms and improve overall health

The duration and intensity of treatment can vary significantly based on the specific diagnosis and the dog’s individual response to therapy.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for dogs undergoing treatment for lymph node disorders. These visits allow veterinarians to assess treatment efficacy, make necessary adjustments, and monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of symptoms.

Preventive Measures and Long-term Management

While not all lymph node issues can be prevented, there are steps pet owners can take to support their dog’s overall health and potentially reduce the risk of certain lymphatic system problems.

Promoting Lymphatic Health in Dogs

How can you support your dog’s lymphatic system health? Consider these preventive measures:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients
• Ensure regular exercise to promote circulation and lymph flow
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the body
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for early detection of potential issues
• Practice good hygiene to minimize exposure to infections

By incorporating these practices into your dog’s routine, you can help support their immune system and overall well-being.

Long-term Management of Chronic Lymph Node Conditions

For dogs diagnosed with chronic lymph node disorders, long-term management often involves a combination of ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments. This may include:

• Regular medication administration
• Dietary modifications
• Periodic diagnostic tests to monitor disease progression
• Adjustments to exercise routines
• Close communication with your veterinarian to address any changes or concerns promptly

With proper care and management, many dogs with chronic lymph node conditions can maintain a good quality of life.

The Future of Canine Lymphatic Health Research

As veterinary medicine continues to advance, researchers are exploring new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent lymphatic system disorders in dogs. These ongoing studies hold promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for affected canines.

Emerging Trends in Lymphatic Health Research

What are some exciting developments in canine lymphatic health research? Current areas of focus include:

• Advanced imaging techniques for earlier and more accurate diagnosis
• Targeted therapies for specific types of lymphoma
• Immunotherapy approaches to harness the body’s own defenses
• Genetic studies to identify breeds at higher risk for certain lymphatic disorders
• Novel drug delivery systems to improve treatment efficacy

These research efforts may lead to more effective and less invasive treatment options for dogs with lymphatic system disorders in the future.

Understanding your dog’s lymphatic system and being aware of potential issues can significantly contribute to their overall health and well-being. By familiarizing yourself with lymph node locations, recognizing signs of problems, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can play a crucial role in maintaining your canine companion’s health. Regular check-ups, prompt attention to any abnormalities, and a commitment to preventive care can help ensure that your dog’s lymphatic system functions optimally, supporting their immune health and quality of life.

All About Dog Lymph Nodes (Location Chart and Photos)

Looking for a dog lymph node location chart? Asking yourself, “Should I be able to feel my dog’s lymph nodes?” and “Where are dog lymph nodes?” Curious why a dog might have swollen lymph nodes? If any of those sound like you, you found the right article! Integrative vet Dr. Julie Buzby answers all your dog lymph node questions. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to locate your dog’s lymph nodes and what to do if you suspect a problem.

If you’ve ever had a really bad cold or sinus infection, you may have experienced swollen glands around your throat. These glands, called lymph nodes, don’t just swell up as an annoyance. Lymph nodes are actually an integral part of your immune system, and the immune system of your canine companion too.

What are dog lymph nodes?

In some ways, lymph nodes are the military training ground for the immune system. Inside these small, bean-shaped organs, immune system “soldiers” (i. e. white blood cells called lymphocytes) await instructions to go to battle against infectious agents or other foreign materials that don’t belong in a dog’s body.

Your dog’s lymph nodes make up one segment of his or her lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is one of the chief ways dogs can fight infections and remove cellular debris from their blood.

The other main components of the lymphatic system are:

• Other lymphoid organs/tissues—Bone marrow (a lymphoid tissue) and some lymphoid organs like the spleen and thymus are responsible for making lymphocytes.
• Lymphatic vessels—These thin-walled vessels are the “highway” of the lymphatic system. They carry lymphocytes around the body and bring lymph to and from the lymph nodes, which are situated strategically along the lymph vessels.
• Lymph—The fluid within the lymphatic vessels which is rich in lymphocytes. It may also contain foreign invaders or damaged cells from the tissues.

Let’s take a closer look at how the components of the lymphatic system work together.

The fluid from blood becomes lymph

As blood flows through the blood vessels, some of the fluid component leaks into the surrounding tissues. This is an important way for the body to send nutrients to the cells within a tissue. Once this interstitial fluid (i.e. fluid in tissues) has distributed nutrients and picked up things like waste products, foreign invaders, and damaged cells, it drains into lymph vessels to create lymph fluid.

^{The anatomy of a lymph node.}

Lymph flows through a lymph node

With the help of muscle contractions, lymph can flow through lymphatic vessels and into the lymph node. Inside the lymph node, foreign invaders are filtered out and exposed to a variety of immune cells. This activates a cascade of highly complex events necessary to mount an immune response.

One result of the immune response is a change in lymphocyte numbers and distribution within the lymph node. This may cause the lymph node to swell significantly due to the increased cell numbers.

Lymph fluid re-enters the blood stream

Lymphocytes from the lymph node will enter the lymph, which flows out of the lymph node and travels to other areas of the body. Eventually the lymph will empty back into the veins of the circulatory system.

Where are dog lymph nodes located?

Lymph nodes are scattered throughout your dog’s body. Some lymph nodes are located deep inside the body, such as within the abdomen and along the intestinal tract, where you can’t feel or see them.

Lymph node locations you can feel

However, there are five sets of peripheral lymph nodes in dogs that are easy to feel. In some cases, you may be able to feel a hint of the nodes in their normal state (i.e., small). But it is much easier to detect enlarged lymph nodes.

The following lymph node locations are the easiest to palpate (i. e. feel):

• Submandibular lymph nodes—located on either side of the lower jaw where it meets the neck
• Prescapular lymph nodes (i.e. superficial cervical lymph nodes)—found in front of the shoulder blade where the neck and shoulder meet
• Axillary lymph nodes—in the armpit
• Inguinal lymph nodes—located in the groin (inguinal) region
• Popliteal lymph nodes—found at the back of the stifle (i.e. knee)

^{The red circle is highlighting the area where the dog’s submandibular lymph node can usually be felt.}

Out of these five sets, it is easiest for most people to detect the submandibular and popliteal lymph nodes. Especially if a dog is overweight or there are only mildly swollen lymph nodes, it may be a little trickier to locate the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. The prescapular lymph nodes, located in front of the shoulders and near big neck muscle bodies, can also be a little trickier to detect if only slightly enlarged.

Dog lymph node location chart

Check out this handy dog lymph node location chart to help you visualize where your dog’s lymph nodes are. This may make it easy for you to find and palpate your dog’s lymph nodes.

^{This dog lymph node location chart showcases where you should be able to feel lymph nodes in your dog.}

How do I check my dog’s lymph nodes?

When I talk about palpating lymph nodes, what I mean is using your hands to feel the lymph node and check for any swelling. In order to do this, you need to know several things—where to find the lymph nodes (which we already discussed), how to palpate, and what a normal lymph node should feel like.

How do you palpate a lymph node?

In general, palpating involves running your hands along a particular area of the body in order to detect any deviation or swelling that wasn’t there before. You’ve probably already done this to your furry friend if you practice my tip-to-tail dog wellness scan.

Gently running your hands over your dog’s fur and skin while petting him or her can be a great way to look for things like insect bites, hives, cysts, and other skin lesions. Looking for swollen lymph nodes is really not all that different. It just means you need to feel specific places where lymph nodes are located. Sometimes it helps to gently grasp the deeper tissues in the region with your thumb and forefinger and feel for a round to oval structure.

How big should lymph nodes be in dogs?

In healthy dogs or cats, many times the lymph nodes are small enough that you barely feel them. And that is a good thing because lymph nodes should be pea sized in small dogs to grape sized in large dogs.

If the lymph nodes are swollen, they will typically be much more prominent. In some cases, a swollen lymph node (or lymph nodes) can become two, three, or even four-times their normal size. Those are much easier to feel, and you can often see them at that point too.

^{The red circles show where the dog’s prescapular lymph nodes can be palpated.}

Try to get a good sense of what the lymph node locations normally feel like on your dog. Can you feel any sort of bump with gentle pressure? If so, how big is it and what does it feel like? You could also consider asking your veterinarian to help you properly locate and palpate your dog’s lymph nodes. That way you have a bit of muscle memory when you go to do it yourself.

Routinely palpating your dog’s lymph nodes yourself can come in handy because it makes it more likely you will catch enlargement when it is still mild.

Beware of lymph node lookalikes

I do want to mention one other thing to keep in mind. Sometimes a swollen lymph node can be easy to confuse with something else.

For example, the submandibular lymph nodes are located at the part of the dog’s neck that is near the jaw. However, salivary glands dwell in this area too, and they can feel just like enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Or, if your dog has a lipoma in dogs or other mass right at the same spot where you would expect a lymph node, you might mistake one for the other.

If you find yourself unsure about what you are feeling or if you think your dog has a swollen lymph node at one of the locations, consult your veterinarian. There are many reasons a dog may have swollen lymph nodes—some of which are worse than others.

Before we get into the causes for swollen lymph nodes in dogs, let’s pause for a moment and define some terms. The medical word for enlarged lymph nodes is “lymphadenopathy” or “lymphadenomegaly.” However, sometimes vets may also use terms that describe the process leading to the lymphadenopathy. For example, the term “reactive lymphoid hyperplasia” denotes lymph node enlargement due to the increase in lymphocytes numbers as part of an immune reaction.

What causes swollen lymph nodes in dogs?

Now that we have the terms cleared up, let’s take a look a the two main reasons for enlarged lymph nodes—infection and cancer.

^{Infections, like dental disease, can cause the dog’s submandibular lymph nodes to enlarge.}

1. Swollen lymph nodes in dogs due to infection

As mentioned earlier, lymph nodes can become enlarged when lymphocytes interact with foreign materials. Bacterial infections and fungal infections in dogs can cause lymph nodes to enlarge in one part of the body or in several, depending on how widespread the infection may be. Also, tick-borne disease in dogs may cause widespread lymphadenpathy.

On the other hand, ear infections (i.e. otitis in dogs), dental disease in dogs, and upper respiratory infections may specifically lead to swollen submandibular lymph nodes. This is because those lymph nodes receive lymph from the head, which is where the infection is located.

Finally, allergic reactions, which are really a type of immune reaction, can also trigger lymphadenomegaly.

2. Lymph node cancer in dogs

Certain types of cancer can lead to lymph node enlargement. Lymphoma in dogs is a kind of cancer that can impact all parts of the lymphatic system. It may start out as enlarged lymph nodes in one part of the dog’s body. But, in more advanced stages, it can spread to other lymph nodes and/or lymphoid organs like the spleen. Basset Hounds, Boxers, Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, and Golden Retrievers all have an increased risk for the development of lymphoma, primarily when they are middle-aged or older.

Other types of cancer such as mast cell tumors, melanomas, and adenocarcinomas may eventually metastasize (i.e. spread) to a lymph node or multiple lymph nodes. This would also cause lymph node enlargement.

What other symptoms may occur with swollen lymph nodes?

Based on the range of conditions that can cause lymphadenopathy, it makes sense that dogs with swollen lymph nodes can experience a variety of other symptoms.

^{Enlarged lymph nodes may cause several different symptoms in your dog.}

For example, a dog with an upper respiratory infection might also be coughing or sneezing. Pain while eating, foul breath, or older dogs losing teeth are all signs of dental disease. Other infections could cause a fever or a lethargic dog. Dogs with tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease in dogs may experience mobility issues and lameness in multiple limbs.

And sometimes there aren’t any other symptoms right away. That tends to be the case with lymphoma where the swollen lymph nodes are the first sign of a problem.

If you believe your dog has a swollen lymph node, please schedule an appointment with you vet. As mentioned above, there are many reasons your dog may have a swollen lymph node(s), and some are more serious than others.

What can you expect at the vet appointment?

At the appointment, your veterinarian will take your dog’s other symptoms, history, and the results of the physical exam into consideration when creating a diagnostic plan. This plan could run the gamut from blood work and urine testing to imaging like X-rays or ultrasound.

Generally your vet will perform a fine needle aspirate test on one or more of the enlarged lymph nodes. This is a test where the vet uses a needle and syringe to collect cells from the lymph node. Then, the vet views the cells under the microscope to gain more information about what is going on.

Sometimes, the vet will be able to visualize an infectious agent like bacteria in the lymph node aspirate. Other times, seeing an abundance of big, blue-stained immature lymphocytes (i. e. lymphoblasts) can point to a diagnosis of lymphoma in dogs.

Alternatively, the vet may discover cells from other types of cancer that have made it to a particular lymph node. For example, oral melanoma can make pigmented cells appear in the lymph node aspirate.

If your veterinarian is not sure about the contents of the lymph node aspirate, he or she can submit the microscope slides to a pathologist for further insight. If a fine needle aspirate is insufficient for obtaining a diagnosis, your vet (or the veterinary pathologist) may recommend a biopsy of the lymph node.

^{Your veterinarian may submit a sample of a lymph node to the lab for cytology or histopathology.}

What are the treatment options for swollen lymph nodes in dogs?

Once your vet has determined the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes, he or she can make a treatment plan. If a fine needle aspirate confirms reactive hyperplasia, treatment centers around addressing the source of the infection.

This may involve performing a dental procedure to clean your dog’s teeth and extract any diseased ones. Or it may mean treating an infection with antibiotics or antifungals. It may take a few days or weeks for the lymph nodes to return to normal size after the infection is gone.

Cancer patients may have any number of treatments depending on the type and stage of their cancer. With lymphoma, some dog parents elect to treat with prednisone for dogs while others pursue chemotherapy with a veterinary oncologist. While lymphoma is not completely curable, chemo can put lymphoma into remission for a period of time.

Whatever the diagnosis, you can count on your veterinarian to walk through it with you. He or she is a valuable asset and—just like you—has your dog’s best interest in mind.

What can I do for my dog with swollen lymph nodes?

It’s important to point out that there are no home remedies for dogs with swollen lymph nodes. As a dedicated dog parent, the best thing you can do is to seek treatment by a veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

There are, however, some things you can do to reduce your dog’s chances of having swollen lymph nodes from an infection.

• Remember to keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations for infectious diseases. Vaccinations for upper respiratory conditions like kennel cough and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease are particularly important.
• Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention all year round. Diseases carried by tick bites can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Work with your vet to develop an at-home daily dental hygiene routine for your dog. There are many good dental products on the market. But brushing your dog’s teeth is still the best way to ward off dental disease. This is important because, as we discussed, bad teeth in dogs can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Choose safe chew toys for your dog to help prevent fractured teeth.
• Make notes about your furry friend’s travel history. (There are places where fungal infections may be more common.)
• If your dog is susceptible to allergies, ask your vet about allergy medicines for dogs.

Finally, I would urge you to incorporate lymph node palpation into your dog’s health routine. Learning to locate your dog’s lymph nodes and familiarizing yourself with what those areas feel like can be a great tool for finding swollen lymph nodes rapidly. In turn, this means that your vet can start treatment sooner.

^{The two red circles show where you should be able to feel the popliteal lymph nodes.}

Become a lymph node locating pro

With practice, it can become easier to know the locations of the peripheral lymph nodes. The dog lymph node location chart included in this article is a great starting point. However, if you are struggling to find your dog’s lymph nodes, don’t feel bad. I want you to understand that even a skilled hand can sometimes miss something so tiny!

Also, keep in mind that even if you do become proficient at finding your dog’s lymph nodes, this isn’t a substitution for routine physical exams with your dog’s vet. His or her trained fingers may notice a swollen lymph node that escaped your detection. Plus, wellness exams can also be a great way to screen for any other health issues. So be sure to schedule an examination for your sweet senior dog at least twice a year.

And, as always, if you have any concerns with your dog’s health or think you may have found an enlarged lymph node, please talk to your veterinarian.

What questions do you have about dog lymph nodes?

Please comment below.

Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in your neck | Mouth cancer

Cancers of the mouth and oropharynx can spread to lymph nodes in your neck. Your surgeon might remove some or all of the lymph nodes in your neck.

Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the neck is called a neck dissection. Surgeons don’t routinely do a neck dissection on everyone because it can have long term side effects.

You might have a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), This is a test to find the first lymph node or nodes that a cancer may spread to. The doctor then checks to see if this lymph node contains cancer cells.

Why do you need surgery to remove the lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small bean shaped glands found throughout the body, including the head and neck area. They are part of the lymphatic system that filters body fluid and fights infection. They also trap damaged or harmful cells such as cancer cells.  

They are often the first place cancer cells spread to when they break away from a primary cancer.

Your doctor needs to find out if lymph nodes in the neck contain cancer. It is important to know this to work out the stage of the cancer and plan treatment.

Before your operation, your surgeon might know that there is cancer in your lymph nodes. In this case, the surgeon removes your lymph nodes during your surgery to remove the cancer. 

Sometimes your surgeon doesn’t know if there are cancer cells in your lymph nodes before you have surgery. In this case, your surgeon might remove the lymph nodes closest to the cancer. They send the nodes to the laboratory to check them for cancer cells.

For an early stage cancer your doctor might suggest a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Checking your lymph nodes (sentinel lymph node biopsy)

A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a test to find the first lymph node or nodes that the cancer may spread to. The doctor then checks to see if this lymph nodes contains cancer cells. 

This is usually for people with early stage mouth cancer. 

You might have a sentinel node biopsy at the same time as your operation to remove the cancer.

How you have a sentinel lymph node biopsy

Before your sentinel lymph node biopsy

The day before or morning of your operation you have a scan to show where the sentinel nodes are. You usually have this in the nuclear medicine department in the hospital. This scan shows the surgeon which lymph nodes to remove but doesn’t tell them whether the nodes contain cancer.  

You have an injection of a small amount of mildly radioactive liquid into the area close to the cancer. The radioactive liquid is called a tracer.

Then you have a scan. This picks up the radioactive liquid and traces it as it moves through the lymphatic vessels and into the lymph nodes. The first nodes that the tracer drains into are the sentinel nodes. The radiographer might mark where these nodes are on your skin.

The scan can take around 90 minutes, but this time may vary. Afterwards you might go straight to the ward to prepare for surgery. Or you may go home and return the following day for your surgery. 

What happens?

Your surgeon removes the sentinel lymph nodes during your operation to remove the mouth cancer. During the operation, your surgeon also injects a small amount of blue dye around the cancer. The dye and the tracer help the surgeon identify the sentinel node.  

Your surgeon usually removes between 1 to 3 nodes. They send the lymph nodes to the laboratory to check for cancer cells. 

After the sentinel lymph node biopsy

Depending on the type of surgery you have for your cancer, you may go home the same day or the following day.

As you have had a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the operation.

You usually get the results about 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery.

Possible problems

Pain

You may have pain around the site of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in your neck. This might last up to 2 weeks. Taking mild painkillers can help. You might also have a stiff or sore neck. This usually gets better in a few weeks.

Swelling

Fluid collecting near the wound can cause swelling and pain. It also increases the risk of infection. This usually starts to settle soon after your surgery but can take longer.

If you have some or all of the lymph nodes in your neck removed, the swelling might be due to lymphoedema. Lymphoedema means a build up of lymph fluid that causes swelling in a part of the body. It’s pronounced limf-o-dee-ma. 

The lymph nodes are part of your body’s drainage system. Removing them can affect the natural circulation and drainage of tissue fluid.

You should let your doctor or nurse know of any swelling you have. 

Blue or green urine

The blue dye is removed by the kidneys and can make your wee look blue or green. This usually lasts for a couple of days.

Rarely some people are allergic to the blue due, it is important to let your surgeon know if you have any allergies beforehand.

What happens next?

A positive result means there are cancer cells in the sentinel nodes. This means the cancer has started to spread. Your doctor will talk to you about further treatment. They might recommend that you have:

• surgery to remove all the lymph nodes in your neck (a neck dissection)
• radiotherapy to the neck area

A negative result means there are no cancer cells in the sentinel nodes. This means that it is unlikely the cancer has spread to the other lymph nodes.

Having a neck dissection

Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the neck is called a neck dissection.   

You might need to have lymph nodes removed from just one side of your neck or you might need to have them removed from both sides.

There are different types of neck dissection:  

• selective neck dissection
• modified radical neck dissection
• radical neck dissection

Selective neck dissection

Your surgeon removes some lymph nodes from your neck. They usually remove the nodes close to the cancer that are most likely affected by the cancer  

You might have a selective neck dissection if the doctors know or suspect that only a small number of lymph nodes contain cancer. 

Modified radical neck dissection

There are 3 types of modified radical neck dissection.

With one type your surgeon removes most of the lymph nodes between your jawbone and collarbone on one side of your neck.

With the other 2 types your surgeon also needs to remove one or more of the following structures:

• a muscle on the side of your neck called the sternocleidomastoid muscle
• a nerve called the accessory nerve
• a vein called the internal jugular vein

Radical neck dissection

You have nearly all the nodes on one side of your neck removed. Your surgeon will also remove:

• the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the side of your neck
• a nerve called the accessory nerve
• the internal jugular vein

You usually have surgery to remove the cancer at the same time as your neck surgery.

Possible side effects after a neck dissection

This surgery has some side effects. These depend on which nerves or muscles the surgeon removes.

Blood clot

During your operation, your surgeon puts a drain into your neck. Any fluid around your neck goes from the drain into a bottle attached to the drain. This helps prevent clots from forming. But sometimes blood may collect under the skin and form a clot (haematoma). You may have to go back to the operating theatre to remove the clot if this happens.  

Nerve damage

Shoulder stiffness and arm weakness

The accessory nerve controls shoulder movement. So if the surgeon removes it, your shoulder will become stiffer and more difficult to move. Raising your arm over your head on that side can also become more difficult.

After a selective neck dissection, the weakness in your arm usually lasts only for a few months. But if the surgeon completely removes your accessory nerve, the damage is permanent. Usually, you see a physiotherapist, who teaches you exercises to help improve the movement in your neck and shoulder. It is important to do these exercises regularly.

Some people still have problems with pain and movement a year after surgery, despite doing their exercises. If this happens, your surgeon may refer you to a shoulder surgery specialist.

Other possible effects of nerve damage 

The cranial and spinal nerves supply the head and neck area. A neck dissection can damage some of these nerves. If this happens you might have:

• numbness in the ear on the same side as the operation
• loss of movement in the lower lip
• loss of movement on one side of the tongue
• loss of feeling on one side of the tongue

Pain

You may also have some pain. Taking painkillers can help. Physiotherapy exercises can also reduce pain. Your doctor can refer you to a pain clinic if the pain continues or is not controlled with painkillers.

Stiff neck

You may have a stiff neck after surgery. Your physiotherapist will show you some exercises that will help improve this. It can take a few weeks or longer for your neck to be less stiff. You may need to continue the exercises after you go home.

Feeling numb around the scar line

This will improve in time, but for some people, this may not completely go away.

Chyle leak 

Chyle is milky fluid carried around the body by the lymphatic system. Rarely one of the lymph channels (called the thoracic duct) leaks after this operation. This may cause chyle to collect under the skin. You are usually on bed rest in hospital until it stops.

Some people may have to go back to the operating theatre if the leak continues. 

Removing the muscle at the side of your neck (Sternocleidomastoid muscle)

Removing the muscle at the side of your neck doesn’t usually cause a problem. But it does make your neck look thinner and sunken on that side.

You might have a neck dissection on both sides, this means removing both muscles. Afterwards you are likely to have some difficulty bending your head forward. Physiotherapy can help to improve movement and prevent stiffness. 

Swelling (lymphoedema)

After surgery to remove some or all of the lymph nodes in your neck, the area can be swollen. This can be due to general swelling around the surgical wound. This usually goes down within a couple of weeks. But it can also be a sign of lymphoedema, this swelling doesn’t go away.

Lymphoedema in the head or neck can also cause symptoms inside your mouth and throat. For example, swelling of your tongue and other parts of your mouth.

Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you:

• have any swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure
• find it difficult to swallow
• have changes in your voice

They will refer you to a lymphoedema specialist if they think you might have lymphoedema. It’s important to start treatment early to stop the swelling from getting worse.

Exercises for lymphoedema

If you have lymphoedema, your physiotherapist or specialist nurse will usually go through these exercises with you. Using your head, neck and shoulder muscles may help to reduce swelling. 

Below are 2 videos that can help you with these exercises. Both are by a physiotherapist called Carla from the lymphoedema team at University College Hospital London. Speak to your doctor or lymphoedema specialist if you are unsure about doing any of them.

The first video shows you how to do breathing exercises. The second video shows you how to do head and neck exercises. It is important to do the breathing exercises before and after the head and neck exercises. 

These exercises should not be painful, so you must stop them if you have any pain. If the pain doesn’t get better contact your doctor. Do each exercise slowly and gently, and it may help to rest in between.

The video about deep breathing exercises is 1 minute long.

Transcript

Hi I’m Carla, I’m going to show you how to do deep abdominal breathing. Remember to have a nice posture, relaxed shoulders. You can do them sitting down or standing up. Remember to breathe in by nose and breathe out by mouth.

So, when you breathe in, imagine you have a balloon in your tummy and you inflate this balloon and when you breathe out, imagine you’re deflating this balloon. You need to feel your hand going in so we’ll do it together now. We’ll breathe in…. and out.

Remember to do them a maximum five times and before and after you do your lymphoedema exercises.

Watch our videos for the exercises of the area where you have lymphoedema or you’re at risk of lymphoedema.

The video about head and neck exercises is just under 3 minutes long.

Transcript

Hi, I’m Carla. I’m going to show you how to do head and neck exercises. Remember to do your deep abdominal breathing exercises before and after. Each exercise you will do 5 to 10 times and very important , pain free.

Neck exercises

We’ll start with the head and neck. We’ll do looking to the side, back to the middle and to the other side. It’s normal to feel a bit of stretch sensation.

Next one will be ear to the shoulder, not shoulder to the ear. Go back to the middle and to the other side. If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, sometimes it’s helpful to do it in front of a mirror.

Next one will be chin to the chest and back to start position.

Shoulder exercises

Next one will be shoulders. We’ll go up, relax and down and relax.

Next one will be circles. And we go backwards and then forward.

Mouth exercises

We’ll do as well mouth exercises. We’ll start with open and close. Blowing kisses, blowing candles, exaggerated smile. And then you say the vowels in an exaggerate way

Jaw exercises

And we’ll do as well the jaw exercises. We’ll do side to side first.

And then moving the jaw forward and the back to normal.

Remember to do the deep abdominal breathing at the end, repeat them once a day minimum and if you have any concerns just call your doctor or lymphoedema specialist.

Find out more about lymphoedema on the Cancer Research UK website.

• Cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract:assessment and management in people aged 16 and over

  The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2016, updated 2018

• Elective neck dissection in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Past, present and future

  R de Bree and others

  oral oncology, 2019. Volume 90, Pages 87-93

• Management of Chyle Leak after Head and Neck Surgery: Review of Current Treatment Strategies

  Sean W. Delaney and others

  Intational Journal of Otolaryngology, 2017

• Neck Dissection’s Burden on the Patient: Functional and Psychosocial Aspects in 1,652 Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

  S Spalthoff and others 

  Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2017.  Volume 75, Issue 4, Pages 839-849

Last reviewed: 

19 Jul 2022

Next review due: 

19 Jul 2025

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ultrasound of the occipital lymph nodes in St. Petersburg – the price is 1200 rubles in the center for ultrasound diagnostics “Affordable Medicine”

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1,900 rubles

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1,200 rubles

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• Prices
• Description
• Addresses

• Execution time
  30 minutes

Description

The lymphatic system in our body performs the function of protecting against foreign bacteria and viruses, products of their activity and natural decay of tissues, as well as mutated cells. Each group of lymph nodes is responsible for a specific part of the body. Vessels from the parietal, temporal and occipital regions of the head are collected in the occipital lymph nodes. They can be from 1 to 3 on each side.

Healthy lymph nodes at the back of the head are not visible and rarely palpable. Their increase usually indicates a skin infection in the scalp or a severe viral infection. Less commonly, they indicate tuberculosis, inflammatory processes, or neoplasms of the brain. They can also be involved in the fight against infection in otitis, tonsillitis or pneumonia, although they do not directly interact with the respiratory system. With any enlargement of the lymph nodes, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Indications for ultrasound of the occipital lymph nodes

Ultrasound examination of the nodes on the back of the head is prescribed for the following complaints of patients:

• The patient himself felt enlarged “balls” that roll under the skin and do not hurt;
• It all started with discomfort in the neck, turned into pain;
• The skin on the neck in the projection of the lymph nodes is hot, it hurts to touch it;
• Sore throat and painful swallowing;
• General malaise and aches, fever, dizziness, loss of appetite.

At the appointment, the doctor will also pay attention to other symptoms:

• Purulent skin lesions or fresh scars in the head;
• Patient has recently had an acute infectious disease;
• There are diagnosed chronic pathologies;
• Symptoms of brain damage are observed.

Ultrasound of the occipital lymph nodes will show

Ultrasound makes it possible to reveal the nature of the changes that have occurred with the lymph nodes:

• They have grown evenly without changing the echogenicity of the substance;
• The increase is uneven, the echogenicity is changed;
• Areas of necrosis or malignant induration observed internally;
• The shell is thinned, there is a fusion with the tissues nearby;
• Sheath thickened;
• There are changes in the blood vessels feeding the nodes.

Preparation for procedure

The procedure takes place without preparation. The subject pins his long hair up and sits on a chair. The doctor, putting the sensor to the patient’s neck, looks at the condition of the nodes on the monitor. The specialist may ask you to slightly turn or tilt your head. The gel, which is used to lubricate the sensor for better glide, is easily wiped off with a napkin from both skin and hair, leaving no residue. Together with writing the conclusion, the examination takes 20-30 minutes.

Contraindications to study

There are no contraindications.

Prices

Addresses of diagnostic centers “Affordable Medicine”

St. Petersburg, m. Ploshchad Vosstaniya, st. 1st Sovetskaya, 8

How to get there?

St. Petersburg, Narvskaya metro station, Stachek Square, 9

How to get there?

St. Petersburg, m. Prosveshcheniya, Engels prospekt, 138 building 1

+7 (812) 380-83-84
info@domedica24. ru

ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck prices in Moscow – do an ultrasound of the cervical lymph nodes

Ultrasound of the neck lymph nodes in Moscow – prices But we
we recommend that you clarify the cost of services with the administrators of clinics or with the operators of our Call-center by phone
+7 (495) 324-88-99.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck is a diagnostic study using ultrasound, which allows you to assess the size, shape, structure of the organ and identify various pathological processes. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, inflammation of the lymph nodes, tumors, circulatory disorders and other abnormalities are quickly detected.

Where to do an ultrasound of the neck lymph nodes

To get an accurate diagnostic result, it is recommended to take a responsible approach to the choice of a medical institution. You can make an ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck in the MedCenterService network of clinics, whose patients receive many advantages:

• Examination without queues and receiving the result immediately after the diagnosis.
• High information content and accurate results thanks to new equipment.
• Individual and competent approach of doctors. The examination is carried out by doctors with extensive experience.
• Loyal pricing policy.

Immediately after the examination, you can contact the profile doctor to decipher the result and prescribe therapy.

What does ultrasound of the neck lymph nodes show

Ultrasound diagnostics helps to identify the following abnormalities:

• Lymphadenitis – inflammation of the lymph nodes, including infectious nature – syphilis, tuberculosis, chronic tonsillitis, etc.
• Purulent and necrotic process in the tissues of the organ.
• Malignant neoplasms, metastases spread from other organs.
• Cystic lymph node formation.
• Benign neoplasms.
• Lymphadenopathy – swollen lymph nodes due to chronic inflammation or taking certain medications.

During the study, the doctor evaluates the shape, structure and contours of the lymph nodes, their localization, mobility, echogenicity. Be sure the doctor takes measurements and evaluates the process of blood circulation.

The accuracy of the result depends on many factors. First of all, the location of the lymph node. If it is in the upper layers, then the visualization will be good, but with a deep location of the lymph node, inaccuracies are possible. Nodes of the face and neck are classified as peripheral, so the accuracy of diagnosis is 90-100%.

Indications and contraindications

The doctor prescribes an ultrasound if you suspect the following pathologies:

• Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, teeth, damage to the skin and muscles.
• Cancers, both of the node itself and of the surrounding tissues.
• Spread of metastases in the tissue of the cervical lymph nodes.
• Autoimmune systemic pathologies.
• Purulent pathologies of the jaw.

In general, it is recommended to be examined for patients from the risk zone:

• People with very weak immune systems.
• For severe allergic reactions.
• For thyroid disease.
• If the patient suffers from severe alcoholism.

You should do an ultrasound on your own if the following symptoms appear:

• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Soreness that is aggravated by pressure, while chewing and turning the neck.
• Excessive mobility of organs.
• Seal knots.
• Swelling and redness of the skin around.

It is important to note that the increase and soreness of the lymph nodes of the neck during a cold, during teething of wisdom teeth and other acute processes that do not carry great danger, is not a cause for panic. Ultrasound in this case can be done for your own peace of mind.

Lymph nodes are a kind of gate that trap pathogenic microorganisms, preventing them from raging and infecting even more tissues.

But if the lymph nodes are enlarged for no particular reason, become stiff and painful, it is necessary to be examined. Ultrasound diagnostics and consultation with a doctor will help you find out what is the cause of such changes and get rid of them.

There are no contraindications to the study, it is safe, painless and is prescribed even for pregnant women and infants. The exception is severe skin lesions in the area affected by the sensor. If there are open wounds or ulcers in the region of the lymph node, it will not work to do an ultrasound, you first need to cure the skin.

Preparing and conducting the procedure

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck does not require special preparation. The procedure is carried out in the following order:

• The patient removes clothing and jewelry from the area to be examined, then lies down on the couch.
• The doctor applies a hydrogel to the skin to improve the conduction of the ultrasound.
• The ultrasound transducer is applied to the skin and driven from side to side to examine the required areas.
• On the monitor screen, the doctor sees the image of tissues, evaluates their properties, and takes measurements.
• The doctor writes down all the information received in the study protocol, at this time the patient wipes the hydrogel from the skin and dresses.

Immediately after the procedure, the doctor issues the results of ultrasound diagnostics, recorded on paper or electronic media, after which the patient can return to normal life. The study does not require rest, does not affect the patient’s well-being and the ability to drive a car.

Norms and interpretation of the result

When deciphering the result, the doctor evaluates not only the data recorded in the protocol, but the individual characteristics of the patient. The norm for a particular person depends on his height and physique, gender, age, the presence of chronic pathologies, and even the place of residence.

Approximate normal values ​​​​of ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck of an adult:

• Size 2-3. 5 cm.
• Normal location. It is indicated, depending on the node under study, for example, submandibular, chin.
• Echogenicity relative to surrounding tissues is normal.
• The shape is rounded, oblong.
• The parenchyma has a homogeneous structure.
• The contour of the capsule is clear, even.
• Neoplasms are absent.
• In contact with surrounding tissues, the capsule is not broken.

An enlarged lymph node may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, while the contours of the organ are blurred. If areas of reduced or increased echogenicity are observed, a neoplasm can be suspected. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a puncture is performed with further laboratory examination of the material obtained.

If the patient lives in an ecologically unfavorable area, or suffers from a chronic inflammatory pathology, for example, tonsillitis, then a constant increase in lymph nodes may be a variant of the norm.