Sonography versus palpation in the detection of regional lymph-node metastases in patients with malignant melanoma

Abstract

High-resolution real-time sonography was done in 217 patients with malignant melanoma to compare its value in detecting regional lymph-node metastases with that of palpation. Lymph-node metastases were found in 29 patients by ultrasound whereas, by palpation, metastases were detected in 15 patients only. The presence of metastases was proven by histopathology after surgical lymphadenectomy in these ultrasound positive cases. Thus sonography was superior to palpation, and in addition permitted distinction between metastatic changes and inflammatory lymph-node enlargement. Ultrasound is recommended for preoperative staging as well as in postoperative monitoring of patients with malignant melanoma.