Rotter's lymph nodes

Rotter's Lymph Nodes

File:Rotter's lymph nodes location.jpg

Location of Rotter's lymph nodes in the human body. Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Rotter's lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the human body. They are specifically found in the interpectoral region, situated between the pectoralis major muscle and the pectoralis minor muscle. These lymph nodes play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, aiding in the body's immune response and the filtration of lymph.

Anatomy

Rotter's lymph nodes are typically small in size, often measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They are located in the interpectoral region, which is the space between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. This location is significant as it is a common site for the spread of breast cancer.

Function

As part of the lymphatic system, Rotter's lymph nodes function to filter lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells, before it returns to the bloodstream. This process helps to remove harmful substances, such as bacteria and cancer cells, from the body.

Clinical Significance

Rotter's lymph nodes are often examined during the staging of breast cancer. If cancer cells are found in these lymph nodes, it can indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor. This can influence the treatment plan and prognosis for the patient.

See Also

• Lymphatic system
• Lymph node
• Breast cancer

References

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