UNLV School of Medicine Virtual Anatomy Lab

I.D.3 Shoulder & Arm: Muscles & Vessels: Shoulder, Axilla, Arm, & Elbow: Page 2 of 4

Add the deep venous drainage, which follows the arterial supply:

Arm venous drainage
🔍 Tap on image to enlarge
Step 12:  Add the brachial veins.
Step 13:  Add the basilic vein.
Step 14:  Add the axillary veins.
Step 15:  Add the subclavian veins.
Step 16:  Add the brachiocephalic veins.
Step 17:  Add the brachiocephalic veins.
Step 18:  Add the axillary lymph nodes.
Step 19:  Add the pectoralis minor.

From the drawing, notice the lymphoid nodes and lymph drainage of the upper extremity.

Question

Based on the location of these nodes, why would a surgeon biopsy or remove the axillary nodes when exploring or treating breast cancer?