Cervical Lymph Nodes
Examination of the lymph nodes forms an integral part of the oral cavity examination. Patients may present with lymphadenopathy secondary to intra-oral primary lesions.
INSPECT:
- Anterior, lateral and posterior neck
Stand behind the patient and systematically palpate the following nodal groups.
PALPATE:
- Submental
- Submandibular
- Parotid
- Preauricular
- Postauricular
- Occipital
- Upper, middle, lower jugular nodal chain
- Supraclavicular
- Any other (non-lymphatic) masses
NOTE: the following characteristics of the mass
- Site, size, shape, consistence, tenderness
- Fixed or mobile relative to underlying structures and overlying skin
- Ulceration, presence of sinus / discharge of the overlying skin
- Transillumination
- Movement upon swallowing or tongue protrusion
- Pulsatile / bruit
