The occipital lymph nodes are a small group of usually one to three nodes at the back of the head, near where the trapezius attaches to the skull. They filter lymph from the back of the scalp.
| Location | Back of the head at the apex of the posterior triangle, near the attachment of the trapezius to the superior nuchal line and beside the occipital artery |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Filter lymph from the posterior scalp before it passes to the cervical nodes.
Enlarged occipital nodes are a classic finding in rubella and are also common with scalp infections, head lice, seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea capitis in children. They are felt at the base of the skull just lateral to the midline. Scalp skin cancers on the back of the head can spread here first.
Swollen occipital nodes, commonly from scalp infection, lice, dermatitis or viral illnesses such as rubella.
Spread of melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma from the posterior scalp to the occipital nodes.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
