Lymphography in clinically suspected lymphoma: a retrospective analysis of 63 cases

Pedal lymphography was performed for 63 patients with clinical findings (chiefly unexplained pyrexia or splenomegaly) suggestive of lymphoma involving the retroperitoneal nodes. The lymphogram was abnormal in 17 cases. Lymphoma was found in 5, metastatic carcinoma in 3, malignant histiocytes in 1, and benign hyperplasia or fibrolipomatous nodal changes in 4 (histiological tests were not obtained in the other 4). An abnormal lymphogram of the retroperitoneal nodes constitutes an indication for laparotomy; the lymphographic appearance of lymphoma is nonspecific, and histologic confirmation should be sought.