A method for the dissection of lymph node specimens (anatomic method)

A method called the "anatomic method" of dissecting lymph nodes in a variety of cancer specimens, is presented. It is found to be comparable to the clearing method in terms of detecting lymph nodes and is unencumbered by the slow turnaround time and economic inconvenience. The anatomic method is described in four steps, illustrated by a schematization of the technique. Its advantages over the clearing method include: 1) it is time saving; 2) it is conducted on the fresh state specimen; 3) it is economical; 4) it reduces the monotony often associated with such dissections; 5) it serves as a teaching exercise. Adoption of the method by pathologists is recommended.