The anatomy of the lymph nodes of the parotid gland.
A series of 17 parotid glands were obtained by radical parotidectomy. Between 1 and 11 lymph nodes were found in them. Superficial parotidectomy only leaves an average of 1 node in the deep parotid. There is a 1 in 4 chance of there being no nodes left. There were no nodes easily accessible immediately under the deep part of the parotid gland. There seems to be a discrepancy between the number of nodes found in a radical surgical specimen and serial sections of the area. This suggests a significant number may be left in the skin flap. The place of excision of this skin is discussed.
D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery