Скачать или смотреть Carcinomatous (Cancer) infiltration of the supraclavicular lymph nodes (Virchow’s nodes)

Carcinomatous infiltration of the supraclavicular lymph nodes refers to the spread of malignant cells from a primary cancer into the lymph nodes located above the clavicle. These nodes are clinically important because their involvement often signals advanced disease and distant metastasis.

🔎 Key Features
Definition: Secondary involvement of supraclavicular lymph nodes by carcinoma cells.

Common primary sources:

Left supraclavicular node (Virchow’s node): Often associated with abdominal malignancies (e.g., gastric carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, testicular tumors).

Right supraclavicular node: More often linked to thoracic malignancies (e.g., lung cancer, esophageal carcinoma, mediastinal tumors).

Clinical presentation:

Firm, hard, non-tender lymph node above the clavicle.

May be fixed to surrounding structures.

Usually painless, discovered incidentally or during cancer staging.

🧪 Pathophysiology
Malignant cells spread via lymphatic channels or hematogenous routes.

The supraclavicular nodes act as a final common pathway for lymphatic drainage from thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Involvement indicates systemic dissemination rather than localized disease.

⚖️ Clinical Significance
Virchow’s node (Troisier’s sign): Enlargement of the left supraclavicular node, classically associated with gastric carcinoma.

Prognostic marker: Presence of supraclavicular metastasis usually denotes Stage IV disease in many cancers.

Diagnostic importance: Palpation of these nodes is a key part of physical examination in suspected malignancy.

🩺 Diagnosis
Clinical exam: Hard, immobile supraclavicular node.

Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, PET scan to assess extent.

Histopathology: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or excisional biopsy confirms malignant infiltration.

📊 Management
Depends on primary cancer: Treatment is directed at the underlying malignancy.

Systemic therapy: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

Palliative care: If disease is advanced and incurable.



#Cancer