Upper Extremity Lymphangiography in the Radiation Therapy of Lymphomas and Carcinoma of the Breast

Abstract

Seventeen bilateral upper extremity lymphangiograms were obtained in patients with lymphoma referred for radiation therapy. The projection of the opacified axillary nodes is analyzed when using the mantle technique in various positions. The position of the lymph nodes varies considerably in the supine and prone positions. Placing pads underneath the shoulders in the prone position allows for better protection of the pulmonary parenchyma while still including the opacified lymph nodes. Because these nodes vary in position, it is recommended that if the axillary nodes are clinically involved or if hilar adenopathy is present, upper extremity lymphangiograms should be obtained to ensure inclusion of all the axillary lymph nodes. In treating carcinoma of the intact breast, care should be taken to include the lower axillary nodes in the tangential breast field and to include 2 cm of lung in the posterior axillary boost.