The axillary nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the axillary (or armpit) region of the body. Auxillary nodes perform the vital function of filtration and conduction of lymph from the upper limbs, pectoral region, and upper back. There are five axillary lymph node groups, namely the lateral (humeral), anterior (pectoral), posterior (subscapular), central and apical nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in the body's ability to fight off infections. Lymph nodes function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses prior to infecting the body.

Common areas subject to swollen lymph nodes include the neck, under chin, armpits and groin.

The mammogram and/or ultrasound show enlargement of the cortex. Metastatic deposits accumulate in the lymph node peripheral area, causing enlargement of the cortex, usually focal (at early stages), or uniform. [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov > pmc > articles > PMC4337126]

(Infraclavicular labeled at upper left.) One or two deltopectoral lymph nodes (or infraclavicular nodes) are found beside the cephalic vein, between the pectoralis major and deltoideus, immediately below the clavicle . Lymph nodes are situated in the course of the external collecting trunks of the arm.

Intramammary lymph nodes are defined as lymph nodes surrounded by breast tissue.

Abnormal lymph node viewed on ultrasound and/or ultrasound. Enlarged lymph nodes may warrant comment, clinical correlation and additional evaluation, especially if new or considerably larger or rounder when compared to previous examination. [Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System—Ultrasound, Second Edition]

The lymph node appears normal and is probably benign.

The supraclavicular lymph nodes are a set of lymph nodes found just above the clavicle or collarbone, toward the hollow of the neck. Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering the lymphatic fluid of unwanted debris and bacteria.

The mammogram and/or ultrasound shows thickening of the cortex is an indicator of an early change in metastasis. The qualitative methods used for the diagnosis of lymph node metastases on US include a round morphology, hypoechogenicity, loss of central hilum, or eccentric cortical hypertrophy.