[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) › External iliac nodes [Lymphatic system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/lymphatic-system/) · [Pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) # External iliac nodes The external iliac nodes lie along the external iliac vessels; they filter lymph from the pelvic organs and from the groin nodes. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&select=external_iliac_nodes&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is Lymph nodes along the external iliac vessels. ## What it does Receive lymph from the pelvic organs and the groin nodes; removed in pelvic node dissection. ## Key points - All lymph leaving the inguinal nodes passes through them, so they are the second station for the [lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/), vulva, perineum and lower abdominal wall - They receive lymph directly from the [cervix](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cervix-of-uterus/), upper [vagina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vagina/), bladder and, in men, the [prostate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/prostate/); with the obturator and internal iliac nodes they are the core of a pelvic lymph node dissection - In cervical cancer, spread to any pelvic node, these included, is FIGO stage IIIC1; para-aortic node spread is IIIC2 ## Key facts **Where** Along the external iliac vessels (lateral, intermediate, medial groups) on the pelvic brim **Drains** Superficial and deep inguinal nodes; deep lower abdominal wall (along the inferior [epigastric vessels](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inferior-epigastric-artery/)); [glans penis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/glans-of-penis/) or [clitoris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clitoris/); cervix, uterus, upper vagina, bladder, prostate **Into** Common iliac nodes ## Relations **Lateral** [Psoas major](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/psoas-major/) with the [genitofemoral nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/genitofemoral-nerve/) on its surface, beside the [external iliac artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/external-iliac-artery/) **Medial** [Urinary bladder](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/urinary-bladder/) and the obliterated umbilical artery; the medial group lies on the inner side of the [external iliac vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/external-iliac-vein/) **Deep** [Obturator nodes](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/obturator-nodes/) and the [obturator nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/obturator-nerve/) beneath the external iliac vein **Above** [Common iliac nodes](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-iliac-nodes/), which receive their efferent vessels **Below** Deep inguinal nodes in the femoral canal under the [inguinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inguinal-ligament/) ## How to find it In surgery they are dissected along the external iliac artery and vein, from the bifurcation of the [common iliac artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-iliac-artery/) to the inguinal ligament, keeping the genitofemoral nerve on the lateral side in view. ## On imaging CT, MRI and PET-CT assess them in cancer staging. A rounded shape, loss of the fatty hilum, an irregular border and high metabolic activity raise suspicion; size alone is unreliable. ## Clinical notes - Removing them can cause lower limb lymphoedema and pelvic lymphoceles, more often when inguinal nodes are also removed - Genitofemoral nerve injury during dissection numbs the upper inner thigh and the [labia majora](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/labium-majus-of-vulva/) ([scrotum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scrotum/) in men) - Bladder and prostate cancers often spread first to the obturator and external iliac nodes ## Related conditions - [Cervical cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cervical-cancer/) - [Ovarian cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-cancer/) - [Endometrial cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/endometrial-cancer/) - [Bladder cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bladder-cancer/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Why are the external iliac nodes the second station for the lower limb, vulva and perineum? All lymph leaving the inguinal nodes passes through them. ## In cervical cancer, which FIGO stage corresponds to pelvic node spread and to para-aortic node spread? Pelvic nodes (including external iliac): stage IIIC1; para-aortic nodes: stage IIIC2. ## Which nerve injury during external iliac node dissection numbs the upper inner thigh and labia majora? The genitofemoral nerve, on psoas major lateral to the nodes. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/external-iliac-nodes/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** nodi iliaci externi TA2 5325 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Nódulos linfáticos ilíacos externos DeCS D008198 **English (TA2)** External iliac nodes Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=8375); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Lymphatic Drainage](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557720/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/external-iliac-nodes/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/external-iliac-nodes/