Differentiation Between Benign And Malignant Peripheral Lymphadenopathy Using Duplex Ultrasound

-The sonographic appearance of normal nodes differs from those of abnormal nodes. Sonographic features that help to identify nodes include shape (round), absent hilus, intranodal necrosis, reticulation, calcification, matting, soft tissue edema and peripheral vascularity. Volume, vascularization score, pulsatility index, and resistive index were significantly higher in the malignant lymph nodes studied than in the benign lymph nodes studied. The long-to-short axis ratio was significantly lower in neoplastic lymph nodes than in reactive lymph nodes. Ultrasound, in comparison to CT and MRI, is relatively inexpensive and transportable. Ultrasonographic evaluations can frequently be made at the bedside. No need for intravenous contrast, and there is no radiation exposure to the patient.