A patient has an ulcerated carcinoma at the tip of the tongue. Which group of nodes is the FIRST to receive lymph from this specific part of the tongue?
- A Submandibular nodes
- B Submental nodes, often bilaterally ✓
- C Jugulodigastric nodes
- D Jugulo-omohyoid nodes
Correct answer: B. Submental nodes, often bilaterally
Explanation
The tip of the tongue drains to the submental nodes, and because lymphatics cross the midline freely near the apex, spread is frequently bilateral even for a strictly unilateral lesion. Lateral border lesions drain to ipsilateral jugulodigastric nodes and posterior third lesions drain directly to jugulo-omohyoid and other deep cervical nodes, so options C and D describe other regions of the tongue.
Reference: Last's Anatomy: Regional and Applied Anatomy, 12th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.