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Surgical anatomy of the lymphatic drainage of the salivary glands: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 October 2020

A K Abou-Foul
A K Abou-Foul*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Ahmad K Abou-Foul, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, LondonW2 1NY, UK E-mail: Dr.akaboufoul@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Background

Nodal metastasis in salivary gland malignancies has important clinical implications; a good understanding of their complex anatomy is paramount to the head and neck surgeon.

Methods

A contemporary and comprehensive literature review was conducted of the lymphatic drainage of the salivary glands, with special emphasis on its surgical applications.

Results

The parotid gland has extraglandular and intraglandular nodes acting as a single functional drainage unit. Intraglandular parotid notes are unique to the parotid gland, and consist of a larger superficial group and a smaller deep group. The presence of intraglandular submandibular nodes, as described by early anatomists, is much debated nowadays. The sublingual glands drain to the lingual lymph nodes, which are divided into median, intermediate and lateral groups.

Conclusion

This review highlights the complex arrangements of lymph nodes draining the salivary glands. It may provide a valid anatomical explanation for the nodal metastasis patterns commonly seen in salivary gland malignancy.

Keywords

Salivary GlandsLymph NodesParotid GlandMalignancySubmandibular GlandSublingual Gland
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 134 , Issue 10 , October 2020 , pp. 856 - 862
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Dr A K Abou-Foul takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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