What are the axillary nodes?

Axillary nodes or or axillary lymph nodes are glands in the shape of beans that are part of the lymphatic system in the body. They are located in the armpit area and circulate lymphatic fluid into the lymph nodes. Lymphatic fluid is a yellowish colored liquid that is part of the blood. Lymphatic fluid

contains white blood cells called lymphocytes that fight the infection of the destruction of bacteria and foreign particles. While in lymph nodes, lymphocytes work to filter toxins from the bloodstream. Once the lymphatic fluid is filtered, it can be recirculated back into the bloodstream without entering the bloodstream and infection.

There are blood vessels in each node that work to carry lymphatic fluid to the node and out. The unfiltered lymphatic fluid is transmitted to nodes by afferent lymphatic vessels. Once the fluid is filtered, the fluid is returned to the circulatory system by eperential lymphatic vessels. 20 to 30 axillary nodes withE ranges from several years of thumb (several millimeters) to 0.39 to 0.78 inches (1 to 2 cm) in their normal size. They are found in five groups: side or brachial lymph nodes, front or first -class lymph nodes, rear or subcapular lymph nodes, central lymph nodes and media or subclavicular lymph nodes.

Brachial nodes contain four to six glands and serve to drain most of the arm, except the part that receives circulation from the cephalic vein. The top nodes contain four to five glands that drain the front and side thoracic walls along with part of the breast. Subscapular nodes contain six or seven glands and discharge the skin and muscles of the lower back and neck as well as the rear thoracic wall. Central nodes are a group of three or four nodes that discharge the liquid received from side, front and rear groups, while subclavicular node drain liquidReceived from all other nodes and sometimes from the breast.

Axillary nodes often play a major role in breast cancer. Breast tumors can release cancer cells into the lymphatic system, which can be captured in nearby axillary nodes. If cancer cells are present in lymph nodes, the likelihood of metastic breast cancer increases.

In order to check the presence of cancer cells in axillary nodes, axillary lymph nodes (Alnd) dissections, often during mastectomy or lumpectomy, are performed. The surgeon removes some or all nodes that are then sent to the laboratory where they are checked for cancer cells. If the results return negative, cancer cells do not contain. If the results return positively, cells contain. This diagnosis is important because it plays a role in determining the stage of breast cancer and other treatment options.