Lymphatic Drainage of the External Genitalia: Inguinal Nodes & Cloquet Node
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE—EXTERNAL GENITALIA
A network of lymphatic anastomoses drains the external genitalia, the lower third of the vagina, and the perineum. Bilateral or crossed extension and drainage is common. The superficial femoral nodes are reached through the superficial external pudendal lymphatic vessels, although the superficial external epigastrics may also play a role. From the region of the clitoris, deeper lymphatic vessels may pass direct to the deep femoral nodes, particularly to Cloquet node in the femoral canal, or through the inguinal canal to the external iliac nodes. Cloquet node is thought to be the sentinel node between the superficial and deep inguinal/obturator lymph nodes. Sometimes, intercalated nodes may be encountered in the prepubic area or at the external inguinal ring. The lowermost portion of the vagina, like the vulva, may drain to the femoral nodes. This complex network of lymph nodes is clinically important, for these are the nodes to which cutaneous and vulvovaginal gland malignancies may drain. Regional lymph node dissections are routinely performed in the surgical treatment of vulvar cancer as the status of regional lymph nodes is essential for therapeutic planning and overall prognosis. Superficial nodes in the groin may also become enlarged when significant inflammation is present in vulvar structures (e.g., Bartholin gland infections).









