Does lymphography promote dissemination of tumorous disease?

In two groups of patients with malignant melanoma on the lower limb and with metastases in the inguinal lymph nodes the authors followed the time of appearance of lung metastases and the survival time. In one group lymphography of the extremity was performed, the other one served as a control. Tabulated time data were mutually evaluated between the two groups by the parametric T-test and with the aid of the nonparametric Me-test. No significant difference was found between the two groups, not even with 20% probability. Thus, lymphography is not likely to have an influence on deissemination of malignant melanoma.