Abstract
Lingual lymph nodes present in the lateral portion of the tongue have traditionally been classified as lateral lingual lymph nodes. However, parahyoid area lymph nodes, which are not included in the traditional classification, have recently been reported and the traditional classification seems to be out of date. In this context, considering the clinical significance and the anatomical appropriateness, we propose a new classification for lingual lymph nodes. The new classification divides lingual lymph nodes into four groups: medial lingual lymph nodes (present in the space between the genioglossus muscles), anterior lateral lingual lymph nodes (present in the sublingual space), posterior lateral lingual lymph nodes (present in the submandibular space) and parahyoid lingual lymph nodes (present in the parapharyngeal space).
In 100 cases of tongue cancers which received primary therapy at Gunma Prefectural Caner Center, there were 8 cases of lingual lymph node metastases. Three cases had anterior lateral lingual lymph node metastases, 1 case had posterior lateral lingual lymph node metastasis, and 4 cases had parahyoid lingual lymph node metastases.
