To whom and why is an ultrasound of the lymphatic system prescribed, how are its diseases treated? Ultrasound of the cervical lymph nodes: the advantages of modern diagnostics Ultrasound of the lymph nodes norm and deviation

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is not often prescribed (in comparison with ultrasound examinations of other organs), and if they are prescribed, then patients often do not follow the recommendations of the attending physician in good faith and ignore the referral. Such negligence in relation to one's own health can cause serious problems.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes should not be underestimated - the technique has a high accuracy of data, besides it is absolutely painless and is carried out quickly.

human lymphatic system

What are lymph nodes?

The importance of the lymphatic system is underestimated due to insufficient awareness of its functioning. What are the functions of the lymph nodes?

• participate in the formation of the body's natural defense system - immunity;
• work like a filter;
• drain interstitial fluid (and thus maintain a uniform volume of interstitial fluid);
• ensure the activity of metabolic processes.

A distinctive feature of the lymph nodes is that their number is purely individual - from 400 to 1000 pieces.

Peripheral nodes are localized in key places for the body. There are such groups:

• posterior and anterior cervical;
• ear and occipital;
• popliteal;
• peritoneal, retroperitoneal, chest;
• submandibular lymph nodes;
• inguinal;
• axillary.

If the body is healthy and functions at the proper level, then these elements of the lymphatic system are hardly noticeable and are not palpable, do not cause any discomfort.

Diagram of the location of the main lymph nodes

Preparing for an ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes of any localization, except for the retroperitoneal space, does not require specific preparation. It is enough that the patient during the procedure was in a calm state and sat motionless.

If the study is assigned to a child, it is necessary to explain to him the importance of rest during the session, or he will turn to the use of sedatives, after consulting with the pediatrician.

Ultrasound of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes requires preparation, as in the diagnosis of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis:

• diet food 2-3 days before the procedure;
• exclusion from the diet of foods that cause bloating (pastries, milk, confectionery, carbonated drinks, raw vegetables, legumes);
• taking sorbents a day before ultrasound;
• cleansing enema, laxative or glycerin suppositories before the procedure.

When examining lymph nodes in other areas, such preparation is not required.

How is the examination carried out?

Immediately before the ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck, you need to free the surface from clothing covering it, remove jewelry, and remove hair.

Examination of the neck area

A special gel is applied to the skin in the localization zone of the node, which facilitates the movement of the sensor and improves conductivity. By turning the sensor at different angles and moving it, the doctor fixes the size of the organ and changes in the structure and structure of the node. The procedure lasts up to 20 minutes and does not bring any discomfort or pain.

The conclusion with detailed data and a picture (optional) is transferred to the attending physician or to the patient. Based on the identified changes, additional laboratory or hardware studies are prescribed, and then a diagnosis is established.

Ultrasound results

What does an ultrasound show? During the procedure, the specialist fixes the size of the nodes, their localization, tissue density, cross section, echogenicity, shape, quantity, structure, the vessels that feed them, the presence of developmental anomalies or neoplasms.

Ultrasound of the axillary lymph nodes is used to confirm tumors, metastases and inflammation. In order to properly process the data obtained, it is important to know the medical history - serious inflammation, infectious and viral lesions in the recent past can affect the condition of the organs and the information obtained during the examination will be incorrect.

Indications for ultrasound of the lymph nodes

Most often, an ultrasound of the cervical lymph nodes is performed. Their control is necessary during the complicated course of diseases in:

• tonsils, throat, palate;
• salivary glands;
• maxillary sinuses;
• thyroid gland;
• organs of hearing.

Quite often, this type of diagnostics is used to examine patients of the oncology department - to detect metastases.

The main reason why you need to pay attention to the lymph nodes is their increase on palpation. Sometimes it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• hyperthermia, chills, aches;
• pain on palpation of the nodes or when turning the head;
• difficulty breathing and swallowing;
• darkening or redness of the skin in the area of ​​​​the node;
• general malaise, insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue

An increase in lymph nodes is a natural phenomenon during the development of various inflammatory processes in the body, but if the organ does not return to normal 2 weeks after the infection, then you need to contact a specialist - perhaps changes in the lymphatic system signal the development of a latent pathology.

Palpation of the lymph nodes

In addition to the symptoms associated directly with the increase in nodes, indications for ultrasound can be:

• suspicion of malignant tumors of adjacent organs;
• cancer of the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma);
• benign formations;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• actinomycosis;
• deformation of the bone structure of the maxillofacial region and / or soft tissues;
• bleeding gums;
• increased sweating (perspiration) at night;
• postoperative follow-up after mastectomy in women;
• syphilis and STDs (ultrasound of the inguinal lymph nodes is performed);
• Cesari's disease;
• viral and infectious pathologies;
• abscesses in the neck.

If a specialist, based on the results of tests, anamnesis, examination and palpation, recommends an ultrasound scan of the lymph nodes, it is necessary to take the appointment with all responsibility and proceed to preparation.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes in the armpits is not recommended to be performed earlier than 2 months after suffering mastitis or toxoplasmosis.

Difficulty in diagnosis

Despite the effectiveness of ultrasound in the study of lymph nodes, it is not possible to make a diagnosis on the basis of information obtained only by this method. For more accurate data, additional tests are needed, the appointment of which will be determined by the doctor after an ultrasound examination.

Possible inaccuracies:

• cyst and abscess have the same echogenicity (data obtained from ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck and in the armpit) - duplex echosonography, biopsy is required for differentiation;
• hernia and hematoma (with ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region) are very similar - CT, MRI or biopsy is required.

The accuracy of the rest of the information also largely depends on the apparatus on which the procedure is carried out, and the competence of the specialist who performs the manipulation.

Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes is a method of examination that is used at the initial stage of diagnosing a problem. This method is characterized by a high data acquisition rate, painlessness and the absence of contraindications for use, which is why it is so widely used in medical practice.

Changes in the lymphatic system are a reason to suspect a pathology and seek the advice of a doctor. Ultrasound of the lymphatic inguinal nodes is a necessary measure in identifying the causes of pathological processes in the human body. The procedure of such research is safe, informative and efficient.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region is prescribed by a doctor if, as a result of a local examination, it is established that they are enlarged in size. Through palpation, it is not possible to determine the true cause of changes in the size of the organ. This is only possible with ultrasound.

Important! Early diagnosis often saves a person's life.

The reason to prescribe an ultrasound examination of the inguinal lymph nodes is the suspicion of the development of the following pathologies:

• tuberculosis;
• syphilis;
• autoimmune disorders;
• oncological diseases.

These reasons are the most common. If they are present, the study of the lymph nodes of the groin and the delivery of special tests is required. In addition, the following factors indicate the need for such a diagnosis (except for an increase in the size of the lymph nodes):

• the onset of rapid fatigue;
• the appearance of chills;
• pain in the lymph node itself or the area next to it;
• insomnia;
• headache and aches all over the body;
• lack of appetite.

If you find these symptoms in yourself, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. Through examination, conversation, laboratory tests, it is already possible to more accurately name the condition of the inguinal lymph nodes and establish a diagnosis, which means that treatment can be started earlier. In this case, its efficiency is increased.

Preparation for the event

In the vast majority of cases, the cause of changes in the size of the groin lymph nodes are sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, before conducting an ultrasound, it makes sense to seek advice from a dermatovenereologist.

When examining lymph nodes of any localization by ultrasound (with the exception of retroperitoneal), no special preparation is required. All that is needed is the presence of the patient in the right place in a calm state and not to make any movements during the procedure.

Often a child has to do a similar procedure. In this case, the baby needs to be explained why it is important to sit at rest.

When planning the diagnosis of lymph nodes in the groin area, it is recommended to go on a diet for 2 days in advance, excluding all foods that contain a lot of fiber. This is required so that the amount of gas in the cavity of the intestinal section decreases. Thus, the ultrasound signal can pass freely, and nothing can interfere with the examination of the lymph nodes located in the groin area. From the menu you will need to remove black bread, vegetables, fruits, juices, barley and corn grits.

If there is hair on the body, then it is better to shave it off. It is recommended to refrain from eating 10-12 hours before the procedure. The study should be carried out on an empty stomach.

How is an ultrasound of the lymph nodes in the groin

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is a standard procedure. The testimonies of the study can be somewhat distorted if scars, burns, scars “flaunt” on the human body at the locations of the objects of interest to us.

To conduct an examination of the lymph nodes in the groin, the person must be laid in a horizontal position. It is possible that during the process, the doctor may ask the patient to change position. This is necessary to obtain the most accurate information.

A specialist who examines the organs performs a completely painless procedure. A small amount of a special gel is squeezed onto the patient's body. This is necessary so that the sensor slides freely in the locations of the lymph nodes.

During ultrasound diagnostics, the following indicators are established:

• where exactly are located and how many lymph nodes are in the groin;
• what is their size, contour, shape;
• structural features (are there neoplasms in them, cysts, inflammatory processes).

The doctor is engaged in a careful study of the structure of the nodes, makes a conclusion regarding the absence or presence of pathologies. At the end of the procedure, the gel is wiped off the patient's body.

The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes.

Survey results

Hyperplasia of the lymph nodes of the groin

Through ultrasound diagnostics, it is possible to establish the cause of the changes that have occurred with the groin nodes. This procedure allows you to identify a number of pathologies:

1. Nonpurulent lymphadenitis. Such a diagnosis can be made if the node is in the zone of the inflammatory process, but it is not damaged. In such situations, the patient has the following symptoms: pain when feeling the nodes, their slight change, hyperthermia of the skin over the area of ​​the node. The presence of an inflammatory process of this kind can develop in infectious pathologies of any etiology.
2. Purulent lymphadenitis. More dangerous. In such a situation, an examination in the groin shows that the destruction of the lymph node has occurred due to exposure to a pyogenic bacterium (usually staphylococcus aureus). Clinically, this is warned by enlarged nodes and the release of pus from them. In addition, they hurt, even if they are not touched, and the tissues around them turn red and swell. Usually such a pathology is a companion of surgical infections.
3. The results of the study help determine whether or not metastases have penetrated the immune system. This happens if the patient has a malignant tumor of the last stage. Most often, the lymph nodes in the groin and retroperitoneal are affected.

Differential diagnosis during ultrasound examination provides invaluable information for clarifying the diagnosis. At the same time, everything is important: the size and shape of the organ, its structure, how much it has increased, the density of the tissue and the number of vessels inside. It is easy to determine these indicators by the results of ultrasound.

What are the errors in the survey

The results of an ultrasound examination usually provide the most accurate information. However, there are inaccuracies, albeit rarely. So, for example, it is not always possible to determine with certainty whether a node has a cyst or abscess. This is due to the fact that the echogenicity of both one and the other structures are the same. In such cases, Color duplex echosonography is provided, which allows clarifying the diagnosis.

The results of the examination may be inaccurate if we are talking about hematomas, hernias, aneurysms. To clarify the diagnosis, additional procedures should be carried out.

A change in the shape and size of a lymph node should always be a cause for concern. An ultrasound examination of this organ will help establish a diagnosis and obtain the most detailed information about the changes that have occurred. The method is painless, easily accessible, absolutely safe and inexpensive. Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to monitor the dynamics of benign formations in remission, as well as to identify the first signs of the presence of metastases in the case of a malignant tumor. The advantage of this diagnostic method is also that no special preparation is required and does not bring any discomfort to the patient.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is a popular and accurate way to examine patients. It is practiced all over the world. The method is harmless, informative. Ultrasound diagnostics are carried out: for infants, children, adolescents, middle-aged people, elderly, debilitated patients, and even pregnant and future mothers bearing babies.

Lymph nodes are examined by ultrasound

In the peripheral system responsible for immunity, there are lymph nodes. They are engaged in blood purification from various viruses with bacteria, remove toxins from atypical cells. Thanks to them, immune antibodies are produced.

If you are not sick and the body is working normally, they do not manifest themselves in any way. When one or another pathology develops in the body, they become denser, change shape, and become larger. This will be shown on the screen by the ultrasound machine.

Ultrasonic waves, reflected from the tissues of the lymph nodes, show their structure on the screen. A specialist in size, structure, echogenicity will understand whether the lymphatic system is functioning normally or is there any pathology?

If the pathology is obvious on the screenshots. The doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment course. You will pass it and significantly improve your general condition of the body, as the blood is cleansed thanks to the lymph nodes.

Who is assigned this procedure?

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is prescribed when it comes to pathologies that occur directly in them or if another organ is sick, but you need to know what state the lymphatic system is in, and therefore how clean the blood is. Her examination is carried out both to clarify the diagnosis and control the severity of the disease. You will be assigned a study if your lymph nodes:

• Pathologically enlarged after some kind of infectious disease, for example, acute respiratory infections or influenza, tonsillitis, etc. Most often, they become enlarged in the groin and neck. They become inflamed during the illness and are bad if they do not become the same size. when you are discharged;
• They increased by themselves, but doctors don’t notice any chronic disease in you;
• When the lymph nodes, for example, in the throat have noticeably increased and it hurts to swallow. If you measure the temperature, it will be elevated;
• If in the groin, on the neck or under the armpits they can be done on their own or the doctor will do it, feel with your fingers. This indicates an inflammatory process.

The doctor will prescribe an ultrasound scan if, for example, one of the lymph nodes in the neck has become larger and of a different consistency, which can be felt even with your fingers. The doctor may suspect the development of lymphoma or tuberculosis, lymphosarcoma or syphilis, unpleasant leprosy. "Advice. Be prepared that in addition to analyzing the lymph nodes located on the neck, you will be biopsied. They will take some tissue from the lymph node and conduct a study.

In addition, the doctor will examine the lymph nodes located under the jaw.

How is the ultrasound procedure performed?

It doesn’t matter if an ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region or the cervical, under the jaw is done, no special preparation is required from the patient. It is enough shortly before the visit to the doctor to take a shower, put on fresh clothes. If they say that they will do ultrasound of the peripheral lymph nodes - this is about those located in the abdomen and groin. Most often, the cervical ones are examined, where one system includes nodes located under the armpits, the jaw.

If the lymph nodes are normal, then when you feel the places where they are located, they will not protrude noticeably. And if they are palpated, it means that inflammation occurs in them.

If you need to examine the lymph nodes located in the abdomen or groin, the doctor will ask you to take a deep breath. If they are enlarged, then you need to look for inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, liver or uterus with ovaries.

"Advice. If you need to examine the lymph nodes located in the armpits, then sit or stand quietly. The doctor will ask you to raise your hand and will palpate.”

What are the errors in the survey and are there other methods?

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is not enough to establish the correct diagnosis. The doctor, feeling them on the neck or under the armpits, may not understand whether there is a simple inflammation there or a cyst is formed and slowly grows? Echogenicity will be very similar and even an experienced specialist will not understand what is happening in your body? Therefore, the doctor will refer you for a biopsy or duplex echosonography.

If an ultrasound is done in the groin area, then the doctor may not understand if a hematoma or hernia has formed there? Therefore, in addition, the doctor will prescribe a biopsy and an MRI examination for it.

What is good about ultrasound is that the method is very simple and accessible to everyone. The survey is safe and very informative.

"Advice. Do not neglect the ultrasound examination, thanks to it you can detect the disease of the lymph nodes at an early stage. If the doctor made some preliminary diagnosis, then it can be confirmed or refuted.

On ultrasound of the axillary lymph nodes or others, the patient feels comfortable, does not experience any inconvenience. Most importantly, wear clean and loose clothing. so that you can expose the required area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body. the doctor will apply a special gel on it, run a sensor over it and see the results of the examination on the screen. Will make screenshots. It doesn't matter how old the patient is. This procedure is completely painless and safe. So the lymphatic system is examined even in infants.

Lymph nodes play a significant role in the body. Together with the ducts through which the lymph flows, they form a whole branched network that envelops all organs and parts of the human body. Their main task is to participate in immunity, cleanse the body of foreign microflora, its toxins, tumor cells, as well as the development of many protective factors.

The structure and location of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are mainly located in groups, both between the muscles and subcutaneous fat (superficial) and around the internal organs (deep). Superficial lymph nodes that can be freely palpated include the submandibular, axillary, inguinal, and neck areas. From this group, several peripheral nodes can be distinguished, located under the skin of the upper and lower extremities. These are elbow and popliteal clusters.

Each group of lymph nodes cleanses (sanitizes) the lymph flowing from a specific organ or anatomical region. The direction of the lymph flow always coincides with the course of the veins, and the lymphatic vessels are located next to the venous ones. Sanitation of the lymph flowing through the upper limbs occurs in the elbow and axillary groups of lymph nodes, flowing through the lower limbs - in the popliteal and inguinal groups. Lymph flowing from the head is cleared in the nodes of the neck and lower jaw.

The structure of the lymph nodes is a combination of glandular parenchyma, or lymphoid tissue, and a framework that is created by strong connective tissue. Outside, this formation is closed by a capsule, quite dense and easily palpable (palpable) under the skin.

What is the basis of ultrasound of the lymph nodes

The ultrasound method is widely used in medicine, along with other instrumental methods, both as the main diagnostic method and as an additional one. In addition, it can serve as a guidance method for many surgical interventions. Ultrasound is also used for various pathologies of lymph nodes of all groups.

The basis of ultrasound is the different ability of the tissues of the human body to absorb or reflect ultrasound waves, which is called "echogenicity". The sensor of the ultrasound machine captures all sound signals reflected from the tissues or absorbed by them. The information is then processed and displayed in real time on the screen. The doctor-diagnostician evaluates the received image, reveals the existing deviations and diagnoses the normal or pathological state of the lymph nodes.

As part of the lymph nodes, there is no bone tissue that has hyperechogenicity, or air spaces. Lymphoid and connective tissue, which form the structure of the lymph nodes, have average values ​​of echogenicity. This allows you to obtain a sufficient amount of information during ultrasound of the lymph nodes for accurate diagnosis of their pathology.

What diseases can be diagnosed by ultrasound of the lymph nodes

If the body has sufficient immunity, then the lymph nodes successfully cope with the amount of harmful microflora that is delivered to them by lymph. Having cleared a portion of the lymphatic fluid and supplied it with protective factors (killer cells and antibodies), the nodes begin to sanitize the next portion. This happens all the time throughout human life.

But with infectious severe and moderate diseases, situations arise when the capacity of the lymph nodes becomes insufficient, and the microorganisms brought by the lymph become the cause of their inflammation. It is lymphadenitis, or inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes, that are their most frequently diagnosed pathology. It is determined both clinically and by ultrasound of the lymph nodes.

Lymphadenitis of the neck or submandibular region indicates the presence of infectious diseases that have affected various parts of the head, inflammation of the nodes of the inguinal region indicates diseases of the lower extremities or genital organs. Axillary lymphadenitis indicates the pathology of the upper limb or mammary glands. Running inflammation or improper treatment can lead to the formation of an extensive cavity at the site of the lymph node, filled with pus (abscess), or the accumulation of calcifications. All these changes can be quickly identified with ultrasound of the lymph nodes.

Indications for an ultrasound

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of any group is used in the diagnosis of many diseases. If there is a sharp pain in the area of ​​​​the lymph node, it has increased in size, has become denser, or, conversely, liquid is felt in it when probed, then an urgent medical examination is necessary. In addition, the skin over the lymph node may become hyperemic (red), a red or cyanotic (cyanotic) path may be visible from it, indicating inflammation of the walls of the lymphatic vessel.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region indicated mainly for suspected lymphadenitis, which developed as a result of genitourinary infections. These include primarily syphilis, chlamydia, HIV. In addition, groin ultrasound is prescribed for suspected oncology, for viral, fungal or bacterial diseases of the pelvic organs and lower extremities.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck also prescribed for their increase, which occurs in various diseases. Ultrasound of the neck can provide valuable information when the lymph node is inflamed or damaged by a tumor or metastasis from other malignant foci. Ultrasound of the submandibular lymph nodes or the axillary region is performed if infectious lymphadenitis or a neoplasm is suspected.

Deciphering the results of ultrasound of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes, depending on the location, can be of different sizes. The inguinal group has the size of a pea, the same - submandibular lymph nodes, axillary - up to 2 cm in diameter. The shape of all lymph nodes is oval or round. The consistency should normally be soft, and the capsule of the nodes should not grow together with the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue.

When conducting an ultrasound of the lymph nodes on the patient's skin, lubricated with gel, the diagnostician performs a motion sensor over the area under study. The monitor screen displays the size and shape of the lymph nodes, the state of their parenchyma and capsule. If the lymph node is healthy, then the doctor sees its even outline, without protrusions or ingrowths, the capsule has the same thickness, and the lymphoid tissue inside it is homogeneous.

If there are pathological changes in the lymph node, its size usually becomes larger, and the capsule loses even lines. All kinds of cysts, abscesses, accumulations of calcium salts (calcifications), growths of tumor tissue lead to sharp deviations in echogenicity.

Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes is quite informative, therefore it is widely in demand in diagnosis. Timely carried out, it can help in the appointment of the correct therapy and maintain health.

An ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes of the neck is one of the safest ways to obtain information about the state of these organs.

Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes of the neck

Ultrasound diagnostics is often prescribed because of its availability, as well as the ability to undergo it as often as necessary to control the course of the disease and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment tactics.

Why is an ultrasound of the lymph nodes performed?

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck, as a rule, is necessary in case of their enlargement. Various seals of any size (the size of a pea or a pigeon's egg) can appear in the lymph nodes, and lymphadenopathy can be benign or malignant.

In this case, the task is to clearly determine the cause of the seals. The reason may lie in inflammatory processes in the body of a different nature or in non-specific reactions, but it also happens that tumors and metastases are the cause of the increase.

Preparation for the procedure

There is no need to specially prepare for an ultrasound to examine the lymph nodes of the neck. It is enough to make an appointment and visit the office at the appointed time. Additional preparation is not required.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck: what shows

In order to find out what the ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck shows, the specialist will need to carefully examine each lymph node individually. The doctor evaluates and fixes:

• direct and transverse size of each node;
• the state of the capsule;
• internal structure;
• the state of the vessels that supply blood to the lymph node.