Positive axillary lymph node
Encyclopedia
A positive axillary lymph node is a lymph node
in the area of the armpit (axilla) to which cancer
has spread. This spread is determined by surgically removing some of the lymph nodes and examining them under a microscope
to see whether cancer cells are present.
Lymph node
A lymph node is a small ball or an oval-shaped organ of the immune system, distributed widely throughout the body including the armpit and stomach/gut and linked by lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are garrisons of B, T, and other immune cells. Lymph nodes are found all through the body, and act as...
in the area of the armpit (axilla) to which cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
has spread. This spread is determined by surgically removing some of the lymph nodes and examining them under a microscope
Microscope
A microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy...
to see whether cancer cells are present.
External links
- Positive axillary lymph node entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms