Typology of the subclavian and axillary lymphatics

Abstract

AbstractDetailed dissections were performed bilaterally on 90 human adult cadavers to obtain more accurate data on the course and origin of the subclavian lymphatics and especially of the subclavian lymphatic trunk. We classified these into four types from the morphology. Type A (46.1 %): The subclavian lymphatics were located along the medial edge of the subclavian vein edge close to the lateral thoracic wall. In this type, the subclavian lymphatics consisted of the subclavian node chain, interconnecting vessels, and short lymph trunks. Type B (20.0%): A large connecting vessel ran along the lateral edge of the subclavian vein or on the subclavian artery, with the result that the trunk was located away from the thoracic wall. In the Type B configuration, the vessels originated from the nodes near the origin of the thoracoacromial artery. Type C (21.7%): The Type B large collecting vessel was observed with the Type A subclavian lymphatics. Type D (12.2%): Lymph vessels were too fine to be found and dissected in the subclavian lymphatics. These observations provide critical information for an unproved clinical examination and lymphatic resection of breast cancer. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.