Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections
Published on: February 9, 2020
Patterns of lymphatic drainage and lymph node involvement in esophageal cancer
1Department of Radiology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland. howardjm@tcd.ie
Abstract:
The esophagus has a complex pattern of lymphatic drainage. Lymph node involvement and number of lymph node metastases are very important prognostic factors, and the newly revised TNM staging system for esophageal cancer reflects this. Knowledge of the location and nomenclature of the common nodal stations in the thorax and upper abdomen is essential for the accurate staging of these patients. PET-CT and EUS are essential in the routine staging of esophageal cancer patients. The aim of this pictorial review is to present the nodal stations, nomenclature and location of regional lymph nodes in esophageal cancer using PET-CT and EUS images from selected patient cases. We will review the EUS and PET-CT imaging for a number of patients with esophageal cancer, using cases which highlight the advantages and diagnostic pitfalls for these imaging modalities.
Related Concept Videos
Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...