ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses lymphography with special attention to signs of flow obstruction, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) in the diagnosis of lymph node invasion by tumor. Lymphography is more invasive and time-consuming than CT, and contrary to CT, lymphography does not visualize cervical, mediastinal, and mesenteric nodes. Lymphography also reveals changes in the internal structure of the nodes. Axial cervical sections obtained by CT allow the larger normal nodes and nodes enlarged by disease to be visualized. Many of the cervical nodes are palpable when enlarged. CT will not greatly increase the number of patients disclosed with involved nodes, but it will reveal more disseminated nodal disease than found at palpation. Contrary to conventional radiology CT allows regular demonstration of the lower posterior mediastinal nodes. These are seen behind the crura of the diaphragm on sections through the upper abdomen. MR is highly sensitive in diseases of the central nervous system, bone marrow, and certain other areas.
