AN ALTERNATE METHOD OF PALPATION OF AXILLARY LYMPH NODES IN LATERAL POSITION IN CASES OF BREAST LUMP WITH USG CONFIRMATION: A CASE SERIES

Introduction: Accurate assessment of axillary lymph node involvement is crucial for staging breast pathologies and determining appropriate treatment strategies. The conventional method of axillary lymph node palpation has limited sensitivity and specificity. This study evaluates an alternate method of palpation in lateral position and correlates findings with ultrasonographic confirmation. A consecutive Case Presentation: series of 80 patients presenting with breast lumps at K.V.G Medical College were examined using both the conventional method of axillary lymph node palpation and the proposed lateral position method from January 2023 to January 2025. Ultrasonography (USG) was used to confirm the presence of palpable lymph nodes. Results demonstrated significantly improved detection rates using the lateral position method (p<0.01), particularly for smaller lymph nodes of the central and medial groups, which were often missed during conventional examination. The lateral method was especially beneficial in obese patients, where axillary adipose tissue often confounds traditional palpation techniques. Conclusion: The lateral position method of axillary lymph node palpation offers a simple yet effective technique that enhances detection of axillary lymphadenopathy in patients with breast lumps. This method, when combined with ultrasonographic confirmation, improves clinical assessment accuracy and may positively impact treatment planning and prognostication.