Lung cancer in the apex of the right lung can affect the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, whereas cancers that infiltrate into the area between the pulmonary artery and aorta, an area known clinically as the “aortopulmonary window,” can affect the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Thyroid surgery also can traumatize the recurrent laryngeal nerves.
In the clinic
Clinical lymphatic drainage of the head and neck