What are lymph glands, also called lymph nodes?
These glands are collections of lymphatic tissue, surrounded by connective tissue. Lymphatic fluid transports white blood cells around the body through small lymphatic vessels or tubules. These connect to the lymph glands. They are part of the immune system.
Lymph glands are examined as part of the staging process. A regional lymph node dissection means removing some of the lymph glands in the area to check them for cancer. A radical lymph node dissection means removing all the glands in the area. This is also called a lymphadenectomy or lymph node dissection.