The external iliac lymph nodes lie along the external iliac artery and vein on the side wall of the pelvis. They receive lymph from the inguinal nodes, and so ultimately from the whole lower limb, as well as from parts of the bladder, prostate, uterus, cervix and vagina.
| Location | Along the external iliac artery and vein on the pelvic side wall, from the common iliac bifurcation to the inguinal ligament |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Filter lymph from the lower limb (via the inguinal nodes) and from several pelvic organs.
These nodes are routinely sampled in pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate, bladder, cervical and endometrial cancer. Removing them, especially with radiotherapy, risks leg and genital lymphoedema and lymphocele formation. The obturator nerve runs close to the medial group and can be injured during dissection.
Spread of prostate, bladder, cervical or uterine cancer to the external iliac chain.
A collection of lymph in the pelvis after node dissection that may become infected or compress veins.
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