Chapter 5 Ultrasound Characteristics of Benign vs Malignant Cervical Lymph Nodes

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2017 Oct;38(5):506-515. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2017.05.005. Epub 2017 May 20.

Abstract

With approximately 800 lymph nodes in the body, and more than one-third found within the head and neck, lymph nodes are a common site for neck pathology. Differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes is critical in accurate prognosis; similarly, treatment hinges on accurate identification of the etiology of the pathologic process. Key gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound criteria can help accurately distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Neck
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods*