Lymph Node Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the Lymph Nodes
This type of Diagnostic ultrasound requires a physician or provider order prior to performing exam.
Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.
Sometimes ultrasounds are directed in certain regions of the body to evaluate lymph nodes. Because ultrasound offers great detail into the body, seeing lymph nodes to evaluate for size, appearance, blood flow or other characteristics can be especially helpful to physicians treating patients for various medical conditions.
Lymph nodes are found throughout our body but the nodes most accessible to ultrasound viewing are in the head or neck, armpits & groin regions. This type of Ultrasound is well tolerated and non-invasive.
Your doctor or provider might order type of ultrasound if you feel a lump or an enlarged lymph node that is palpable to the touch. With certain illnesses lymph nodes do enlarge as the body is defending against illness and helping fight off infection.
All of the images from your ultrasound will then be sent to a Radiologist (interpreting physician) for a report to be generated for your referring physician. You will receive the results of your Ultrasound from your referring physician or the provider who ordered this ultrasound to be performed. Please refer back to the physician's office that sent you to obtain results of your ultrasound exams.
Ultrasound Exam Prep
There is no prep needed in order to have a ultrasound of the lymph nodes in a specific region. Depending on the area of interest being scanned, you may or may not be required to change out of your clothing into a gown.
Warm ultrasound gel is placed on the area of interest and images are obtained. These exams are well tolerated and can provide helpful information to the clinician.
All Ultrasounds at our Imaging center are completed by ARDMS Registered, Sonographers