What does intramammary lymph node mean?

What does intramammary lymph node mean?

Intramammary lymph nodes are defined as lymph nodes surrounded by breast tissue. They are a potential site of regional spread for breast cancer and metastases in this node is reported in up to 9.8% of operable breast cancers.

Where are Intramammary lymph nodes located?

Intramammary lymph nodes (IMLN) have been reported in approximately 5% of patients undergoing mammography (2). Although they can be seen in any quadrant, they are most commonly located in the upper outer quadrant (3).

Can intramammary lymph nodes disappear?

They have been know to disappear but in practice you will see them every time the patient is imaged. There are two critical issues in evaluating intramammary lymph nodes on mammograms: the nodes are – without exception – smoothly circumscribed and well defined.

Are intramammary lymph nodes bad?

Intramammary lymph nodes (IMLN) are one of the most common benign findings at screening mammography. They are defined as lymph nodes that should be surrounded by breast tissue in all sides, which differentiate them from those in the lower axillary region.

What does intramammary mean?

: situated or introduced within the mammary tissue an intramammary infusion.

Are intramammary lymph nodes benign?

Is it normal to have lymph nodes in breast?

Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands that vary in size; they are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes can be found alone or in groups in several areas of the body, including the under arm area; it is also normal to have lymph nodes within the breast.

Can a blood vessel hide an intramammary lymph node?

Sometimes a nearby blood vessel may be seen with some flow entering the hilum on color Doppler interrogation. Some authors suggest that intramammary nodes with classical features are pathognomonic. Other authors however suggest that a lesion with radiographic features of an intramammary lymph node may rarely hide an early breast cancer 6.

Can a breast lymph node be a imln?

In patients with known breast cancer, IMLN are a potential site of locoregional spread, which can change the prognosis and management. In some cases, initial breast carcinomas can also mimic IMLN. Breast radiologists must also be aware of the typical and atypical characteristics of IMLN to suggest further investigation when it is necessary.

What are the features of an abnormal lymph node?

However, abnormal IMLN features, such as diminished or absent hilum, thickened cortex, not circumscribed margins, increased size or interval change, warrants additional follow-up or pathologic analys … Intramammary lymph nodes (IMLN) are one of the most common benign findings at screening mammography.

Can a lymph node be benign at mammography?

Intramammary lymph nodes (IMLN) are one of the most common benign findings at screening mammography. However, abnormal IMLN features, such as diminished or absent hilum, thickened cortex, not circumscribed margins, increased size or interval change, warrants additional follow-up or pathologic analysis to exclude malignancy.