Description
- The lymph node axilla test can check for infection, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axillary disease associated with breast cancer.1
Pathophysiology
- Lymph node axillary disease can arise from breast cancer. Swollen lymph nodes may also result from infection or RA.
- Also, lymph nodes in the axilla may temporarily swell and become tender after a Xiaflex injection for Dupuytren’s disease.2
Instructions
- Obtain an accurate and complete patient history, including any history of cancer.
- Ask the patient if he/she experiences any pain or swelling in the affected axillary area.
- Check if any lymph node axilla are larger than 10 mm.
- Palpate the area for notable enlargement or swelling.
- Examine the contralateral area of the lymph node axilla.
Related Signs and Tests
- Mass tenderness
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
- Grey-scale ultrasound3
- Elastography3
- MRI
Diagnostic Performance Characteristics
- Using newer ultrasound techniques such as elastography may improve the reliability of diagnosis.3
- MRI can be helpful to improve reliability, because it provides a global view of both axillae.4