Intraparotid lymph nodes

The intraparotid lymph nodes are groups of cervical lymph nodes located within the parenchyma of each of the parotid glands.

Gross anatomy

Among the salivary glands, only the parotid glands have their own internal lymph nodes due to the late encapsulation of the parotids during embryologic development.

Parotid nodes receive drainage from cutaneous sites, especially the areas around the external ear, forehead/temple, and cheek.

Based on cadaveric studies , the vast majority of normal parotid glands have identifiable lymph nodes (90%). Of these, about two-thirds have lymph nodes in only the superficial lobe, whilst one-third have nodes in both the superficial and deep lobes. Superficial lobes have on average three nodes, while deep lobes should have no more than three nodes. Altogether, superficial lobe nodes account for about 90% of all intraparotid lymph nodes. Within the superficial lobe, nodes tend to be located along the retromandibular vein, particularly in the parotid tail.

Normal intraparotid lymph nodes measure <6 mm .

Related pathology

The intraparotid lymph nodes are an important site of metastasis of head and neck cancers, most commonly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma and, less commonly, oral cavity cancer .

Differential diagnosis

• salivary gland tumors
• benign lymphoepithelial lesions, which may mimic a necrotic node

See also

• metastases to parotid nodes

Siehe auch:

• Parotistumoren
• intraparotideale Metastasen

und weiter:

• nekrotische intraparotideale Lymphknoten