Regional differences in the intranodal distribution of tumor cells

Abstract

The intranodal distribution of tumor cells was examined in 103 mesenteric and 135 axillary nodes to determine the frequency of a circumferential type of distribution and its relationship, if any, to central necrosis. Eighteen percent of the mesenteric nodes removed at surgery from patients with colon cancer contained a circumferential rim of viable tumor cells in an area corresponding wholly or in part to the normal location of the marginal sinus. In each case this rim of tumor cells surrounded a large central area of necrosis. In contrast, only one of the 135 axillary nodes removed from patients with breast cancer demonstrated this pattern. These findings suggest that by interrupting blood and lymph vessels, the circumferential spread of tumor cells underlies development of central necrosis. Previously described structural dissimilarities between mesenteric and axillary nodes may explain the striking difference in incidence of this pattern in these nodes.

Primary Colon Adenocarcinoma with Metastatic Disease to the Rectum Followed by the Left Axilla

“…5 Tumor cell distribution from metastasis in mesenteric lymph nodes is primarily in the marginal sinus, but this pattern is rarely seen in axillary lymph nodes. 6 Due to differences in lymphatic flow, it is not overly surprising that colon adenocarcinoma rarely metastasizes to the axilla. We emphasize the important features of this case that may have contributed to metastasis to the axilla.…”