A 58-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital due to pleural effusion. She was diagnosed with oropharyngeal carcinoma, and multiple anterior cervical lymph nodes were detected. Yesterday, she had surgery to remove cancer and the anterior cervical lymph nodes. Today she complains of dyspnea, and radiological imaging shows a large right pleural effusion. Which of the following is most likely injured?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The lymph from the body is carried through the thoracic duct which drains in the junction between the left subclavian and the jugular veins. The thoracic duct could be injured in thoracic or neck procedures. Thoracic duct injuries could lead to chylothorax.

A 58-Year-Old Woman Is Admitted to the Hospital Due to Pleural