A 45-year-old woman undergoes total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. Histology of a small node removed from just above the thyroid isthmus on the cricoid cartilage shows metastatic deposit. This node belongs to which group?
- A Supraclavicular nodes
- B Jugulodigastric nodes
- C Prelaryngeal (Delphian) nodes ✓
- D Retropharyngeal nodes
Correct answer: C. Prelaryngeal (Delphian) nodes
Explanation
The prelaryngeal or Delphian node lies on the cricoid cartilage overlying the median cricothyroid ligament and drains lymph from the thyroid isthmus and pyramidal lobe; it is often the first node involved in papillary carcinoma and can be palpated preoperatively. Jugulodigastric nodes sit behind the angle of the mandible along the internal jugular vein, and retropharyngeal nodes drain the nasopharynx, so neither fits this midline prelaryngeal position.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.