ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF LYMPHATIC OUTFLOW IN THE MAMMARY GLAND

Abstract

Relevance. This study examines the anatomical features of mammary gland lymphatic drainage and their role in the process of lymphatic metastasis of cancer.

The relevance of the topic is due to the high prevalence of breast cancer among women and the need for a deeper understanding of the anatomical patterns of lymphatic drainage to improve the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases [1-4].

Purpose of the study. The purpose of this study is to thoroughly examine the structure of the mammary gland lymphatic system, determine the main directions of lymphatic drainage, and analyze their clinical significance in metastasis.

Research materials and methods. For this project, three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search. A systematic search was conducted using the following keywords: mammary gland, lymphatic vessels, arteries, veins, and capillaries.

The selected articles were reviewed and analyzed to identify key findings related to the anatomy and physiology of mammary lymphatic drainage. The statistical data from the Almaty Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazNIOR) were used to determine the incidence of breast cancer lymph node metastasis.

Results and discussion. This paper examines the macro- and microscopic features of the mammary gland, the anatomy of lymphatic vessels and regional nodes, and their role in tumor cell dissemination.

Particular attention is paid to the axillary, parasternal, and subclavian lymphatic drainage pathways, which are the main routes for lymphogenous metastasis. The main lymphatic drainage collectors in the mammary gland were identified: the intercostal-parasternal and axillary-subclavian.

The axillary pathway accounts for approximately 80% of lymphatic drainage, the parasternal pathway for 15%, and the remaining 5%. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using anatomical data in planning surgical operations, determining the extent of lymph node dissection, and predicting the course of oncological processes. Полученные сведения могут быть применены в клинической практике, медицинском образовании и разработке методических пособий по анатомии и онкологии. The obtained information can be applied in clinical practice, medical education and the development of teaching aids on anatomy and oncology.

A comprehensive literature review yielded valuable information on the anatomy and physiology of mammary lymphatic vessels. Clearly, understanding mammary lymphatic drainage is crucial for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various breast cancers.