During an axillary lymph node dissection, nodes are removed that lie medial to the lateral border of pectoralis minor muscle. According to the standard anatomical classification, these nodes belong to which level?

• A Level III ✓
• B Level II
• C Level I
• D Rotter interpectoral nodes

Explanation

Axillary nodes are classified relative to pectoralis minor: level I nodes lie lateral to its lateral border, level II nodes lie behind the muscle, and level III nodes lie medial to its medial border toward the apex of the axilla. Rotter interpectoral nodes lie between pectoralis major and minor and are classified separately, not by level. C complete axillary dissection clears all three levels. The relationship to pectoralis minor is the defining landmark examined repeatedly.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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