Three-dimensional visualization of skin lymphatic drainage patterns of the head and neck.
BACKGROUND
Lymphatic drainage from skin on the head and neck is complex. We sought to provide improved visualization and analysis of the patterns of head and neck skin lymphatic drainage using aggregated lymphoscintigraphy data.


METHODS
Lymphoscintigraphy data from 929 patients with cutaneous melanoma on the head and neck collected at the Sydney Melanoma Unit have been mapped onto a 3-dimensional computer model of the skin and lymph nodes.


RESULTS
Novel heat maps and interactive software have been created, which show subtle differences in lymphatic drainage patterns when compared with those that are previously reported. Posterior head and neck node fields largely drained posterior regions of the head and neck, whereas anterolateral skin regions were generally drained by the other head and neck node fields.


CONCLUSIONS
The heat maps and interactive software tool provide novel visualization of head and neck lymphatic drainage patterns, which has both educational and clinical utility.
Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. h.reynolds@auckland.ac.nz
Hayley M
HM
Reynolds
Nicolas P
NP
Smith
Roger F
RF
Uren
John F
JF
Thompson
P Rod
PR
Dunbar
D003198:Computer Simulation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000473:pathology; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012984:Software