Axillary lymph node biopsy.

We describe a technique that facilitates excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes. The arm is suspended anterior to the chest in an adducted position that displaces the pectoralis major muscle medially and positions the axillary lymph nodes immediately deep to the hair-bearing area of the skin. This position permits biopsy of the lymph nodes with a relatively short incision and a minimum of dissection.