Contrast radiographic demonstration of a lymph node metastasis.

Abstract

INFORMATION on the number and extent of metastases—particularly early metastases prior to treatment or surgical exposure of malignant tumors—has always been desired. In our present state of knowledge, metastatic tumor in lymph nodes is diagnosed clinically by a considerable increase in node size, by the enlarged nodes exerting pressure on adjacent structures, or by lymphedema. In each of these instances, metastases can be assumed to be extensive and the prognosis generally unfavorable. Contrast lymphography offers some hope for solution to the problem of early diagnosis of metastases in the intact patient. Tjernberg 1 first demonstrated artificially implanted tumor in the nodes of rabbits. Fischer and Zimmerman 2 produced simulated metastases and clearly demonstrated discrete filling defects in otherwise normal popliteal nodes of dogs. From these animal experiments, the possibility of demonstrating discrete node metastases has gained support. We are presenting a case of a metastasis in a lymph node