The anatomy of the lymph nodes of the parotid gland

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Abstract
A series of 17 parotid glands were obtained by radical parotidectomy [for removal of regional metastases of skin tumors]. Between 1-11 lymph nodes were found in them. Superficial parotidectomy only leaves an average of 1 node in the deep parotid. There is a 1 in 4 chance of there being no nodes left. There were no nodes easily accessible immediately under the deep part of the parotid gland. There seems to be a discrepancy between the number of nodes found in a radical surgical specimen and serial sections of the area. This suggests a significant number may be left in the skin flap. The place of excision of this skin is discussed.