[Value of ultrasound study in lymphomas of the neck]

In order to determine the value of high resolution ultrasonic procedures in the diagnosis of lymphomas of the neck, a comparative study of palpation, sonography and the surgical findings was undertaken. 42 patients were studied and 210 criteria evaluated. The error incidence was found to be 23.8% for palpation, 4.8% for the sonography and 1% for the combination of the two methods. The suprasonic procedure can detect a lymphoma from 5 mm. on, whereas palpation is only possible upward of 15 mm. Therefore, high resolution sonography enables a more precise evaluation and diagnosis of lymphomas of the neck. It facilitates the locating of the lymphomas during surgery and also allows the differentiation to the large vessels of the neck preoperatively. Thus, sonography of the neck is of high informative value there is no physical inconvenience or stress for the patient, and it is easy and quick to administer.