The bronchopulmonary (hilar) lymph nodes lie at the root of each lung where the main bronchus divides into lobar bronchi. Together with the small intrapulmonary nodes along the bronchi within the lung, they receive lymph from both the superficial (subpleural) and deep lymphatic plexuses of the lung.
| Location | Hilum of each lung, around the main and lobar bronchi and pulmonary vessels, with intrapulmonary nodes along the bronchi within the lung |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Provide the first nodal filter for lymph leaving the lungs.
Enlarged hilar nodes show as bulky hila on a chest X-ray. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy is a hallmark of sarcoidosis; one-sided enlargement raises concern about lung cancer, TB or lymphoma. Hilar node involvement in lung cancer is classified as N1 disease, still often suitable for surgery.
Symmetrical enlargement of hilar nodes, classically from sarcoidosis, also seen in lymphoma, TB and some occupational diseases.
A lung focus of TB with infected hilar nodes, which may later calcify.
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