[Ultrasound morphology of peripheral lymph nodes]

Ultrasonography is the predominating method for the diagnosis of altered superficial lymph nodes. According to well defined criteria, the differentiation between benign and malignant nodal disease is possible with a high accuracy. The major concern of diagnosis is the characterization of enlarged lymph nodes, the staging and the long-time control of patients with tumors of the head and the neck and of patients with melanomas. Exemplary typical appearances of altered lymph nodes will be explained. Beside size and shape of the node, it is important to have a close look to its internal structure. The central echogenic hilus, the nodal cortex and their relation has to be noted and excentric hypoechoic structures must be described. According to the literature and to our own experience, it will be shown how reliable the commonly used diagnostic systems are.