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Thyroid ultrasound at the Oxford Medical private clinic in Kyiv

Lymph node ultrasound

Enlargement, soreness, or thickening of the lymph nodes may occur against the background of infections, inflammatory processes, skin diseases, immune reactions, or other conditions. To assess their size, shape, structure, and the condition of the surrounding tissues, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound of the lymph nodes — a quick, painless examination without radiation exposure.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, ultrasound examinations are performed using modern expert-class equipment. This helps obtain informative results for further assessment of the condition of the lymph nodes and determination of observation or treatment tactics. To have an ultrasound of the lymph nodes at a time convenient for you, contact the clinic contact center.

Types of ultrasound of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are located practically throughout the entire body, but with the help of ultrasound only separate peripheral lymph nodes that are accessible for examination are assessed. Depending on the complaints, examination results, and the purpose of diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe different variants of ultrasound — both by the method of performance and by localization.

Main variants of the examination:

  • Standard ultrasound of the lymph nodes. This is a basic examination during which the doctor assesses the size, shape, contours, structure of the lymph node, and the condition of the surrounding tissues. This format is used in case of enlargement, soreness, or thickening of the nodes.
  • Ultrasound with Doppler imaging. Allows assessment of the blood supply of the lymph node. Features of blood flow help clarify the nature of the changes and suspect an inflammatory or other pathological process.
  • Elastography of the lymph node. Gives the possibility to assess tissue density. The method is used as an additional one when it is necessary to study the structure of the altered lymph node in more detail.

Ultrasound is also performed depending on the location of the lymph nodes:

  • Ultrasound of the neck lymph nodes — performed in case of enlargement or soreness of nodes in the neck area. Ultrasound of the lymph nodes of the neck may be relevant against the background of upper respiratory tract infections, dental diseases, inflammatory processes in the throat, ear, or area of the scalp.
  • Ultrasound of the submandibular lymph nodes — prescribed in case of thickening, soreness, or enlargement of the nodes under the lower jaw. Often associated with diseases of the oral cavity, teeth, gums, or ENT organs.
  • Ultrasound of the lymph nodes under the armpits — helps assess the axillary lymph nodes in case of their enlargement or discomfort. This area is often examined together during an ultrasound of the mammary glands.
  • Ultrasound of the inguinal lymph nodes — performed in case of enlargement or soreness in the inguinal area. Changes may be associated with diseases of the pelvic organs, lower limbs, or soft tissues.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend an extended ultrasound of the lymphatic system when it is necessary to assess several groups of lymph nodes simultaneously. This helps determine whether the changes are local or have a more widespread character.

What an ultrasound of the lymph nodes shows

An ultrasound of the lymph nodes — is an informative examination that helps clarify the cause of their enlargement, soreness, or thickening. The examination is part of comprehensive diagnostics and allows the doctor to assess whether the changes are related to an inflammatory process, an immune system reaction, or other conditions.

With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to detect or suspect:

  • inflammation of the lymph node (lymphadenitis), which often occurs against the background of infections — for example, with diseases of the throat, teeth, skin, or ENT organs;
  • reactive changes, when lymph nodes enlarge in response to infection or inflammation in the body;
  • consequences of previous infections or long-term inflammatory processes;
  • neoplasms in the area of the lymph node or next to it, which require additional assessment;
  • signs of systemic diseases that may be accompanied by enlargement of the lymphatic nodes.

Ultrasound is also used to monitor the condition of the lymph nodes over time — for example, to assess whether they decrease after treatment or whether their structure changes over time.

During the examination, the doctor assesses the main parameters of the lymph nodes, which help determine whether they correspond to the norm:

Parameter What is assessed Approximate norm
Size Length and width of the node Depends on the area, usually up to 5–10 mm
Shape Ratio of length to width Oval
Contours Clarity and evenness of the borders Clear, even
Structure Homogeneity of tissue Homogeneous
Lymph node hilum Central part Visualized
Blood flow According to Doppler imaging Moderate, predominantly central

It is important to understand that ultrasound does not establish the final diagnosis, but helps determine further tactics of examination or treatment.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: according to the results of the examination, the specialist forms a conclusion with a description of the detected changes, however the final diagnosis is not established on the basis of ultrasound. Interpretation of the results is carried out by the doctor who prescribed the examination, taking into account symptoms, examination data, and analyses. Even minor deviations from the norm do not always indicate the presence of a disease.

Indications for ultrasound of the lymph nodes

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes is prescribed when it is necessary to clarify
the cause of their enlargement, soreness, or thickening, as well as to assess
changes over time. This examination helps determine further tactics of diagnosis
and observation.

The main indications for the examination are:

enlargement of the lymph nodes that does not decrease within 2–3 weeks or progresses;

pain, thickening, or discomfort in the area of the lymph nodes;

inflammation of the lymph node or suspicion of an infectious process;

general symptoms without a clear cause — fever, weakness, changes in blood tests.

List of diseases

Our doctors recommend not postponing the examination if the lymph node is rapidly increasing or does not decrease over time. This helps to determine the cause of the changes in a timely manner and, if necessary, start treatment of lymphadenopathy — a condition in which lymph nodes increase as a result of infections, inflammation, or other diseases.

Preparation for ultrasound of the lymph nodes

In most cases, special preparation for ultrasound of the lymph nodes is not needed. This is a simple and painless examination that can be undergone without changes in the usual daily routine.

Before the examination, it is worth following several recommendations:

  • do not apply creams, ointments, or cosmetic products to the area that is planned to be examined;
  • choose comfortable clothing to easily open the necessary area (neck, axillary area, etc.);
  • inform the doctor about pain, thickening, or other changes that bother you.

Following these simple recommendations helps conduct the examination quickly and obtain the most informative results.

How ultrasound of the lymphatic system is performed

The examination is painless and does not cause significant discomfort. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on the couch — the position depends on the area of examination. For example, to examine the cervical lymph nodes, it is necessary to lie on the back with the head slightly tilted backward, and for the axillary or inguinal ones — to open the corresponding area.

The doctor applies a special gel to the skin, after which carefully moves the ultrasound transducer over the examination area. In the process of ultrasound of the lymphatic system, lymph nodes are assessed from different projections, symmetrical areas may be compared to determine the nature of the changes more accurately.

If necessary, the examination is supplemented with Doppler imaging or elastography to obtain more information about the blood supply and tissue density of the lymph node.

The procedure usually lasts 10–20 minutes. After completion, the patient receives a conclusion with a description of the results, which should later be assessed by a family doctor or another specialist who referred for the examination, taking into account symptoms and data from other studies.

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes: prices in Kyiv at the private clinic «Oxford Medical»

The price of ultrasound of the lymph nodes depends on the scope of the examination — the number of areas that need to be assessed, as well as on the use of additional modes, for example Doppler imaging or elastography. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the cost here. If you need to have an ultrasound of the lymphatic nodes, you can make an appointment at a time convenient for you by the phone number indicated on the website, or by ordering a callback.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, patients can receive a full range of medical services: undergo ultrasound diagnostics, take tests, receive a doctor’s consultation and, if necessary, continue examination or treatment.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

Frequently asked questions

Where can an ultrasound of the lymph nodes be done in Kyiv?

You can undergo an ultrasound of the lymph nodes at «Oxford Medical» clinics in different districts of Kyiv: on Dorohozhychi, Obolon, Vynohradar, Zhytomyrska, Pechersk, Solomianka, as well as on the left bank — on Berezniaky, Osokorky, Pozniaky, and Rusanivska Havan. The examination is also available in Irpin. You can choose the nearest location and make an appointment at a time convenient for you.

Can lymphoma be detected with the help of ultrasound?

Ultrasound allows detection of changes in the lymph nodes that may raise suspicion of serious diseases, in particular lymphoma. However, this examination does not confirm the diagnosis independently. To establish an accurate conclusion, additional examinations are needed — blood tests, a doctor’s consultation, and, if necessary, a biopsy with histological examination of tissue.

Which lymph nodes are considered normal?

Normally, lymph nodes have small sizes, an oval shape, clear contours, and a homogeneous structure. They are not painful, mobile, and not fused with the surrounding tissues. At the same time, their sizes may differ depending on localization and individual features. Therefore, assessment of the condition of the lymph nodes is always performed by a doctor taking into account the overall clinical picture.

How long will an ultrasound of the lymphatic nodes last?

An ultrasound of the lymphatic nodes usually lasts 10–20 minutes. The duration depends on the number of areas that need to be examined and the need for additional assessment. The procedure is painless and does not require special preparation, so after completion the patient can immediately return to the usual daily routine.

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