Carcinoma of the lateral aspect of the tongue primarily drains to which lymph nodes, making them the first nodal echelon to be examined?

• A Upper deep cervical (jugulodigastric) nodes (Level II) ✓
• B Submental nodes (Level I-A)
• C Submandibular nodes (Level I-B)
• D Posterior triangle nodes (Level V)

Explanation

The lateral part of the tongue drains primarily to the upper deep cervical (jugulodigastric) nodes at Level II, particularly the jugulodigastric node which is the primary echelon node for tongue and tonsil cancers. The tip of the tongue drains bilaterally to submental nodes (Level I-A). The anterior two-thirds generally drains to submandibular (Level I-B) and upper deep cervical nodes. The posterior third drains to upper and middle deep cervical nodes. Identifying the involved nodal level guides neck dissection planning in oral cavity cancers.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.