PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anthony J. Petrasek
AU  - John L. Semple
AU  - David R. McCready
TI  - The surgical and oncologic significance of the axillary arch during axillary lymphadenectomy
DP  - 1997 Feb 01
TA  - Canadian Journal of Surgery
PG  - 44--46
VI  - 40
IP  - 1
4099  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/40/1/44.short
4100  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/40/1/44.full
SO  - CAN J SURG1997 Feb 01; 40
AB  - An uncommon and often-overlooked anatomic variation of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the axillary arch. It is formed by an anomalous slip of the muscle that arises from the body of the latissimus dorsi but then inserts along with the pectoralis major muscle anterior to the axillary vein and neurovascular bundle. If an axillary arch is encountered during axillary lymphadenectomy, the lymph nodes posterior and lateral to the arch should be excised. Experience with a number of cases is used to consider local therapeutic and staging factors.