Thesupraclavicular lymph nodesare a set of lymph nodes found just above the clavicle or collarbone, toward the hollow of the neck.
Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering the lymphatic fluid of unwanted debris and bacteria. They are located in strategic places within the body since they serve as early warning devices for the presence of infections.
The lymphatic fluid from the head and neck regions is filtered by the lymph nodes in the neck area. Specific to the right supraclavicular lymph node is the drainage of the mid-section of the chest, esophagus, and lungs, while the left lymph node drains the thoracic duct, the abdomen, and thorax.
Swelling and pain in the lymph nodes are signs of an infection and sometimes, a malignancy (a cancerous tumor). The swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes are easily felt as small tender lumps at the top of the collarbone. As the infection is treated and resolves, these lymph nodes eventually revert back to their original size.