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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
[Sonography of enlarged lymph nodes: Pathogenetic categorization using contrast enhanced power Doppler sonography]
B M Stoeckelhuber1, M Wiesmann, S A Berg
1Institut für Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck. stoeckel@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
Background:
The purpose of this study was to categorize enlarged superficial lymph nodes as benign or malignant using sonomorphologic features and vascularization pattern.
Patients And Methods:
Enlarged superficial lymph nodes in 57 patients were assessed with B-mode and contrast-enhanced power Doppler sonography. Morphology and vascularization were evaluated. The lymph nodes were categorized as benign or malignant. Correlation was made with histology and follow-up results.
Results:
In 55 patients, 40 lymph nodes were correctly categorized as benign and 15 lymph nodes correctly as malignant. The most reliable criteria were shape and vascularization pattern. Intact hilar vessels and branching indicated benign enlargement, destruction of the hilum with vessels running peripherally along the capsule indicated metastatic destruction. Two benign lymph nodes were considered malignant (false positive).
Conclusion:
B-mode ultrasound along with contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound is an easy, cost-effective, and reliable tool for differentiation and categorization of enlarged superficial lymph nodes.
