[A new classification of the lymph nodes of the mammary area]

In order to develop a more clear classification of the lymph nodes associated with the mammary area, detailed dissection of both sides of three cadavers was performed both by naked eye and using a stereomicroscope in our anatomical laboratory. Based on the findings, the following classification is proposed: 1 Axillary nodes. Main group: 1) External mammary nodes along the lateral thoracic vessels, 2) Scapular nodes along the subscapular vessels, 3) Brachial vein nodes, 4) Axillary vein nodes, 5) Interpectoral nodes along the pectoral branches of the thoracoacromial vessels between the major and minor pectoral muscles (subtype: Interpectoral nodes close to the origin of the thoracoacromial artery), 6) Central group in the center of the axilla, and 7) Infraclavicular group located along the axillary and subclavicular veins medial to the pectoral branches of the thoracoacromial vessels. Accessory group: 1) Paramammary group in the subcutaneous tissues near the lateral margin of the mammary gland, 2) Deltopectoral nodes in the deltopectoral groove, and 3) Lymph nodes behind the clavicular part of the pectoralis major. II. Supraclavicular nodes between the subclavian vein and the omohyoid . III. Internal mammary nodes along the internal thoracic vessels.