From the Research
A suspicious umbilical mole would typically not affect only axillary and cervical lymph nodes, as lymphatic drainage from the umbilical region primarily flows to the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. The lymphatic system follows predictable anatomical pathways, with skin cancers typically spreading first to the nearest lymph node basin that drains that area of skin, as discussed in the management of melanoma 1. If a melanoma or other skin cancer at the belly button were to spread through the lymphatic system, it would most likely affect the axillary and inguinal lymph node basins first, rather than isolated involvement of the elbow and neck nodes.
Some key points to consider in the management of melanoma include:
- The importance of early detection and surgical excision of primary melanomas, with sentinel lymph node biopsy providing valuable prognostic information and guiding adjuvant treatments 1
- The role of lymphatic mapping in understanding the spread of skin cancers, with the pattern of spread typically following predictable anatomical pathways 2, 3
- The need for careful evaluation of suspicious moles, regardless of lymph node symptoms, to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential skin cancers 4, 5
In the context of a suspicious belly button mole, it is essential to prioritize a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, rather than assuming a direct connection to axillary and cervical lymph nodes. The most recent and highest quality study on the surgical management of melanoma, published in 2022, confirms the importance of primary resection with adequate margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy in the management of localized cutaneous melanoma 1.