Four of eight patients in whom a loss of fatty hilum was seen in an axillary node on MRI were found to have cancerous lymph nodes at the time of their breast surgery. It's less common, but lumps on the neck can also be a sign of cancer. How do doctors diagnose benign vs.malignant lymph nodes? Treatment depends on the cause. This content does not have an English version. Appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of neck masses in children. Six lymph nodes were of benign etiology. Reactive lymph nodes are usually just a sign that your immune system is doing its job by fighting off an infection. If you have a biopsy of a mass, you might also see a reference to reactive lymph nodes when you review your lab results. Differing definitions exist across specialties 1-4.The following is a synthesis of radiologically useful boundaries for each level. The hilum is a linear, echogenic, non-shadowing structure that contains the nodal vessels and it appears continuous with the fat around the node. Last medically reviewed on July 20, 2021. What You Need to Know About Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy). They can form anywhere on the body but tend to be close to the surface of the skin. This is usually performed both on the liquid of the bone marrow, the so-called aspirate, and then a biopsy is taken from the solid portion of the bone marrow. Most often, a neck lump is due to a swollen lymph nodea tiny cluster of cells that help the immune system fight off invaders, such as viruses. This often means that it can be detected and treated early. Theyre located in your neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. When should a swollen lymph node be of concern? Often the body's normal response to illness, though there are more possibilities. Just because you're experiencing these types of things doesn't mean you have lymphoma, but it is important to see your doctor if you're experiencing recurring symptoms. Usually, you can't see or feel cervical lymph nodes. This article discusses common causes of a lump in your neck, including reasons for swollen lymph nodes. The tissue samples will go to a laboratory where a pathologist will use a microscope to look for cancer cells. This causes too many diseased and ineffective lymphocytes in your lymph nodes and causes the lymph nodes, spleen and liver to swell. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. Maydych V. The interplay between stress, inflammation, and emotional attention: relevance for depression. Ultrasound of the neck showed a 2.2 1.4 1.9 cm right cervical lymph node with a small fatty hilum but a thickened cortex. When used in combination the above signs can help differentiate a malignant lymphadenopathy from reactive nodal enlargement. This means you might need additional treatment, such as: Removing lymph nodes can sometimes make it difficult for lymph fluid to drain properly, causing it to back up. Peripheral lymphadenopathy: approach and diagnostic tools. But they can swell and become noticeable when your body is working to rid itself of something like the common cold or strep throat. Dont hesitate to see a doctor if you have any concerns about your lymph nodes or if theyre enlarged for more than 2 weeks. We wish you well. If lymphoma is diagnosed, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, lumbar puncture, chest x-ray, body CT, PET, bone scan, body MRI or abdominal ultrasound may be used to look for enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body and determine whether the lymphoma has spread. And lymphoma occurs when one of these types of lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. Malignant means they do contain cancer cells. Discover the potential causes, view photos, and learn about treatments. Metastatic carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck are other cancerous growths in which swelling of the cervical lymph nodes is common. . When this happens, the lymph nodes can swell. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. (B) Diagrammatic representation of a normal lymph node with fatty hilum and blood supply at hilum. HL is often marked by the swelling of cervical lymph nodes. Unable to process the form. Several gray scale and color Doppler features favor malignancy in a lymph node. There is weak evidence to support that malignant nodes are larger. (2016). If this happens, you may notice: Depending on the underlying cause, the lymph nodes may be only slightly enlarged or they may grow large enough to be visibly obvious. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Quant Imaging Med Surg. And it's actually considered one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Swollen lymph nodes can occur in just one area of the body or in multiple locations. These, like the hundreds of other lymph nodes in your body, are part of your lymphatic systeman element of your immune system that moves white blood cells through the bloodstream to help fight infection. .st2 { The draining lymph node in rheumatoid arthritis: current concepts and research perspectives, Epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the head and neck region. You should also get evaluated if your neck lump is persisting, getting larger, or cannot be clearly tied to a recent illness. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Conclusions: The shortest diameter, S/L ratio, margin and internal echo structure were considered to be critical indicators to differentiate between benign and metastatic nodes. However, until then, you would need to have periodic tests to monitor your disease. This 2.1 cm rounded lymph node in the right neck is >90% cystic; note the distal enhancement. Besides HIV, viruses including the Epstein-Barr virus and shingles (varicella-zoster) are associated with swollen lymph nodes. Radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. These particular DNA mutations affect lymphocytes, which accumulate in the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system to form tumors, crowding out healthy tissue and limiting its ability to function. The normal fatty nodal hilum enlarges, such that the lymph node appears cystic. They also sometimes occur as a result of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus. At the time the article was created Frank Gaillard had no recorded disclosures. Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include: Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Swollen lymph nodes are more likely to be benign than malignant. I had a neck ultrasound a few weeks ago which showed a few enlarged lymph nodes. A nodule is an abnormal growth of tissue anywhere in the body. Many cysts go away on their own. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Peripheral lymphadenopathy: Approach and diagnostic tools. Regular self-exams can help you find swollen lymph nodes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Youve recently been treated for cancer or youre currently in treatment. Within the node, there is generally a hypoechoic marginal zone, which can be distinguished from the central hyperechoic hilar region (the medullary sinuses with blood vessels and efferent lymph vessels). https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. I recently had a Neck ultrasound as a swollen lymph node was found - Prior to this, I was on Augmentin 1000mg for Strep / Ear Infection / Sinus read more. If you have an active infection, the lymph nodes can get bigger as they work to help rid your body of the illness. privacy practices. There are approximately 800 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body, with more than a third located in the head and neck. They may have to be surgically removed depending on their size and location. Lymph node involvement is a key factor in cancer staging and treatment. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What is typically done about a shallow fatty hilum lymph node in the back of the neck that has been present for at least a few months but has no read more. with cancer, plus helpful information on how to get a second opinion. If the lump is getting bigger or not going away, tell your provider. Keep your friends and family close, rely on them for practical and emotional support. Lymph nodes are small structures that act as filters. Let's look at symptoms and, Cytokine release syndrome is an immune system response that can occur due to immunotherapy or infection. Theres usually a single area of swollen lymph nodes, such as the neck, underarm, or groin. The swollen lymph nodes are located near an infected body part, such as the throat, ears, or mouth. Plast Aesthet Res. Low-Grade Lymphoma These grow so slowly that patients can live for many years mostly without symptoms, although some may experience pain from an enlarged lymph gland. These are usually powerful drugs that will kill lymphoma. Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma in the Neck: CT Findings of Lymph Node Involvement. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 27, no. Palpable supraclavicular, iliac, or popliteal nodes of any size and epitrochlear nodes larger than 5 mm are considered abnormal. Also called axillary adenopathy or armpit lump, axillary lymphadenopathy occurs when your underarm (axilla) lymph nodes grow larger in size. Swollen Glands or Lymph Nodes With Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, What to Know About a Retropharyngeal (Lymph Node) Abscess, Cervical lymphadenopathy: Unwinding the hidden truth, MRI of patients infected with COVID-19 revealed cervical lymphadenopathy, Hodgkin lymphoma: A review and update on recent progress, Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the cervical lymph nodes from an unknown primary cancer: management in the hpv era, Peripheral lymphadenopathy: approach and diagnostic tools, Spotting the difference: swollen lymph nodes in leukaemia VS during an infection, The interplay between stress, inflammation, and emotional attention: relevance for depression, The diagnostic yield of excisional biopsy in cervical lymphadenopathy: a retrospective analysis of 158 biopsies in adults, Appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of neck masses in children, Neck bumps you can feel and maybe even see, Tenderness and pain at the site of the cervical lymph node. We do not capture any email address. If youve ever felt swelling on the side of your neck, you probably had swollen glands, also known as swollen lymph nodes. tenderness. It happens when an immune system. For example, breast cancer may spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone. A biopsy often follows a cancer diagnosis, even if the lymph nodes appear normal. Lymph fluid, which contains white blood cells to fight infection, travels through lymph vessels. Axillary lymph nodes, usually up to 1 cm but occasionally 1.5 cm in diameter, can be seen in normal subjects. Updated September 2020. aberrant vessels: displaced parent vessels, subcapsular vasculature, non-perfused areas, non-tapering vessels. Swollen lymph nodes. Feeling full after only a small amount of food. This is an uncommon form of lymphoma identified by the presence of rare large cells, which are called Reed- Sternberg cells. BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Feb;2016(1):1-2. doi:10.1136/bcr-2016-214502, Fhrer D, Bockisch A, Schmid KW. The lymph system is part of the immune system. Swollen cervical lymph nodes are commonly seen with: They can also occur with certain STIs, include chlamydia and syphilis. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. Does quantitative SUV-based analysis improve reproducibility of interpretation of posttherapy PET-CT scans in Hodgkin's and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? But swelling alone isnt enough to tell you exactly what it is. An Overview of Axillary Lymphadenopathy (Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit), Lump Behind the Ear: Possible Causes Explained, Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Overview and More, Swollen Lymph Nodes (Adenopathy) in Cancer. Common symptoms of having lymphoma include swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, in your armpits or your groin. Boils can be drained by a healthcare provider. Using a warm compress and a pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can help with discomfort until you get better. A lymph node may in fact be removed for a biopsy. All rights reserved. Signs that swollen lymph nodes should be examined by a doctor include: If your lymph nodes are swollen, your doctor will likely start by feeling some of your lymph nodes and looking for other signs and symptoms of illness. Doctors call it lymphadenopathy. Signs and symptoms of cancerous lymph nodes caused by Non-Hodgkin lymphoma include: Lymph nodes with fatty infiltration can be demonstrated very frequently, especially in older women, and do not seem to have any pathological significance. If your lymph nodes are swollen, you can often feel them by pressing lightly and circling your three middle fingers in these places: Only a healthcare provider can determine if your neck lump is a swollen lymph node or something else. Depending on your symptoms and what they find during a physical examination, they may also order a blood test or imaging test, such as an MRI scan. In some cases, goiters have to be surgically removed. If swelling affects more than one area of lymph nodes, it is usually called generalized swelling of the lymph nodes. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The only way to know for certain if your lymph nodes are benign versus malignant is to perform a lymph node biopsy. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Sometimes fluid-filled lumps will also be biopsied because they can also be cancerous (for example, if it is cystic thyroid cancer). Cancer cellsare mutated cells that grow fast and can be very difficult to stop. The swelling is temporary and clears up when an ear infection, bronchitis or other cause is treated. Sometimes, there are multiple areas of swollen lymph nodes, which is called generalized lymphadenopathy. Sonographic features of malignant lymph nodes. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. In this video, we're going to cover the basics of lymphoma. The hilum or root functions much like a plant root, securing each lung in place and providing a channel for energy to pass through. Causes of swollen lymph nodes include immune disorders and infection. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph nodes. Eccentric hyperechoic areas in benign nodes corresponded to the hilus and surrounding fatty tissue. An Overview of Axillary Lymphadenopathy (Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit). Click here for an email preview. Objectives: A fatty hilum within a lymph node on CT is considered a benign characteristic. Boils can be deep, hard, and fairly big. A tooth infection might cause swollen lymph nodes around your jaw. Active surveillance is often your best option. As for whether theyre benign versus malignant, you cant tell by looking at them or feeling them. When to Worry vs. Not Worry About Lumps Under Your Skin, Lump Behind the Ear: Possible Causes Explained. Subscribe for free and receive an in-depth guide to coping However, its center is of fatty density. Each lymph node connects to several afferent lymphatic vessels on one side (known as the cortex) and lymph enters the node through these connections. (Color version of figure is available online.) Swelling usually signals an infection of some kind, but it could also be from a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or . They appear in the front of the neck, often just on one side. Who gets it? other information we have about you. If its due to an immune disorder, youll need treatment for that specific condition. a topic. (2018). receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest about cancer news, research, and care. .st0 { Lymphadenopathy is classically described as a node larger than 1 cm, although this varies by lymphatic region. But when it doesn't go away, or it appears together with more troubling symptoms, it's a good idea to have your healthcare provider find out why. Fatty hilum of this lymph node is preserved. Impact of expert pathologic review of lymphoma diagnosis: Study of patients from the French Lymphopath Network. We avoid using tertiary references. So don't panic. Depending on the underlying cause, you might also have a range of other symptoms. A neck lump or nodule can also be caused by a cyst, lipoma, boil, or goiter. Breast cancer signs and symptoms. Nodular goiters are lumps on an enlarged thyroid gland. This category includes any cancer of lymphocytes that doesn't involve Reed- Sternberg cells. SCID is a very rare but serious congenital condition. Accessed June 13, 2019. If the swelling doesn't go down within this period, it's best to reach out to your healthcare provider. 2018;39(9):433-443. doi: 10.1542/pir.2017-0249, Distinguin L, Ammar A, Lechien JR, et al. However, it could be a manifestation of underlying malignancy. Additionally in the left neck at level 1 there are 2 previously biopsied . 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Knowing more about your particular case and the options you have will help you feel confident and empower you to make decisions regarding treatment. Once in the lymph system, cancer cells can move through the lymph vessels to distant parts of the body, where they can form new tumors (metastasis). Results: Twelve lymph nodes from eleven patients with FDG uptake and fatty hila had a mean SUV of 4.7 2.7 (range: 2.2 to 11.4), and a mean diameter of 1.2 cm 0.4 (range: 0.7 to 1.6 cm). Updated September 2019. Lymph fluid builds up in lymph nodes in an effort to trap bacteria, viruses, or other harmful pathogens. Lipomas. Lymphoma is an overarching term for a kind of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. However, its center is of fatty density. You could even be able to see the swelling in your neck, armpits, or groin. 2021;100(1):26-28. doi:10.1177/0145561320940117, Shanbhag S, Ambinder RF. Fatty hilum disappears when there is cancer but it's often hard to see the fatty hilum. The lymph nodes are getting bigger or are hard and immoveable. Indranil Mallick, MD, DNB, is a radiation oncologist with a special interest in lymphoma. and neck dissection predict lymph-node recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma. 2018;68(2):116-132. doi:10.3322/caac.21438, Civantos FJ, Vermorken JB, Shah JP, Rinaldo A, Suarez C, Kowalski L, et al. A lipoma is a benign lumpfilled with fat. Like all cancers, lymphoma is the result of mutations in DNA that instruct the cells on how to grow, and the cells often grow out of control and live longer than they should. At the time the article was last revised Andrew Murphy had Forefront. Accessed Sept. 1, 2019. The lymph nodes may also not move well (what providers call "fixed" or "non-mobile"). More research is needed to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 2016 Nov;3(1):347. doi:10.20517/2347-9264.2016.09, Virk JS, Verkerk M, Patel H, Ghufoor K. Massive lipoma of the posterior neck. You will likely experience some pain or discomfort, which will be managed with pain medication. . The 95% confidence interval for SUV overlaps zero, indicating no evidence of a difference in SUV between benign and malignant nodes. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Chapter 5: Ultrasound characteristics of benign vs malignant cervical lymph nodes. time. However, its usually not a reaction to anything serious. Thats because youll want to know more about the cancer and how far it may have spread. Become a Gold Supporter and see no third-party ads. The prevalence of cervical lymph node metastasis among patients with papillary thyroid cancer is 30% to 80%. UC San Diego School of Medicine. Confidence intervals for the mean SUV and diameter differences are (-4.43, 1.27) and (-0.733, -0.0667), respectively. Under 40 years of age, it is only 0.4 percent. This can be done with a needle, or the lymph nodes can be removed during surgery. Not every swollen lymph shrinks back down again. Lymphoma SPOREs. I am currently continuing at SunAgri as an R&D engineer. If they feel hard or dont seem to be shrinking back to their usual size as your illness resolves (usually within a week or two), contact your doctor. clip-path: url(#SVGID_4_); no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose. Only LNs that were unequivocally matched between US and pathology were taken into account for the analysis. The lymph nodes in the neck have historically been divided into at least six anatomic neck lymph node levels for the purpose of head and neck cancer staging and therapy planning. Your provider will let you know if and when you need to have a biopsy and the best way to take the tissue. We avoid using tertiary references. First, what exactly is the lymphatic system? The most common cause of neck lumps are that your lymph nodes are swollen. Malignant means they do contain cancer cells. Staphylococcal infection is a common bacterial cause. Reactive lymph nodes are usually a symptom of an underlying infection, so your doctor will start by asking about your other symptoms and taking your vital signs. To help with painful or tender lymph nodes while you heal, try: Other infections, such as bacterial infections, may require antibiotics or other medications. Dr. Sewa Legha answered Medical Oncology 52 years experience Needs monitoring: An enlarged lymph node in the neck is often due to infection in the throat and its surroundings. Hi. Review/update the Shortness of breath can often be found. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Targeted drug treatment focuses just on specific abnormalities in cancer cells and is highly effective. Physical examination and diagnostic testing cant determine the cause. However, some swollen cervical lymph nodes stay enlarged permanently with certain chronic conditions, like HIV, or after some infections. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs of tissue. It may also be temporary. The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system, which protects against infection and disease. Doctors call it lymphadenopathy. Iran J Med Sci. People who have had one lipoma or a family history of lipomas are more likely to get them again. The mass recurred 2 months following aspiration. Finding out you have lymphoma and going through treatment can be overwhelming, but there are things you can do to help you cope. What does Enterococcus faecalis look like? Abnormal or suspicious lymph nodes lose this feature. PM Som "Lymph nodes of the neck" Radiology 1987 165: 593-600. History of U.S. iodine fortification and supplementation. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Well, it's actually a crucial part of the immune system. Some goiters are caused by iodine deficiency. Lymph nodes are found in the neck, face, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin. In this report, we describe a case of a young female with an unusually large and tender reactive lymph node with fat necrosis. In children, viral infections (especially viral upper respiratory tract infections) are common causes of enlarged cervical lymph nodes. FINDINGS: There is a small lymph node in the right neck palpable area measuring 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.9 cm. .st1 { My concern is a lymph node that was found on ultrasound June 1st and confirmed by CT June 3rd in my left upper neck that is firm, movable, slightly enlarged (1.2cm, I think), and was described as hypoechoic with no fatty hilum. Iran J Med Sci. You might even observe some skin reddening where the lumps originate. Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Cancers can also spread to lymph nodes and cause them to get big and hard. Cancer.net. You can only determine if the lymph nodes are malignant through biopsy. Updated March 2020. Euthyroid goiter with and without nodules. Finding a lump in or on your neck may immediately have you wondering if it's a cancerous tumor. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while more common than Hodgkin lymphoma, is still very uncommon and a relatively rare disease overall. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. } You have no obvious illness or infection. Lipomas are not cancerous. The result of the prevalence of cervical lymph node metastasis of the current study is consistent with those of prospective [11] and retrospective [13] studies. Your cervical lymph nodes are small and found deep under your skin and muscles. enable-background: new; Most cases are not cancerous. Diagnosis and treatment. Anxiety and stress can tax your immune system, but there is no evidence that they directly make your lymph nodes swell. Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes in the neck are caused by an infection. However, there are other signs that may provide some clues. In some cases, swelling may be the only symptom. Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. Doctors aren't sure what causes lymphoma. All of them are being done to look for signs of lymphoma in other areas of your body. clip-path: url(#SVGID_6_); Many types of lymphoma exist. Prativadi R, et al. Some minor viral infections, such as the flu, simply have to run their course. Although cancer and going through treatment is never easy, with lymphoma, there is plenty of hope and long-term success. Peripheral lymphadenopathy (LAP) is frequently due to a local or systemic, benign, self-limited, infectious disease. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with More immune cells may be going there, and more waste could be building up. Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis. Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that your immune system is fighting off infection or illness. Results from a biopsy help doctors confirm and stage cancer, as well as determine the best treatment options. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 5 (May 1, 2006): 1079-1082. A tissue sample can usually be takenusing a needle, but some have to be taken surgically. (2017). Distress management. This is often but not always painless and often could be associated with fevers, or unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats, sometimes chills, persistent fatigue. Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. Short axis, S/L ratio, presence or absence of the fatty hilum and extra-hilar vascularity were . Leukaemia Care. In children, viral infections (especially viral upper respiratory tract infections) are common causes of enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What is it? Cleveland Clinic. National Cancer Institute. How Does Stress Affect the Immune System?. If you have a cervical lymph node(s) removed, a drain may be put in place to keep fluid from collecting under the skin and around the surgical incision(s). How can you tell if a neck lump is cancerous? Now, you may be given chemotherapy. Different ultrasound criteria have been established to differentiate benign from malignant cervical lymph nodes. Swollen glands are actually swollen lymph nodes, which are often reactive lymph nodes. Still, the only way to know for sure if your neck lump is worrisome or not is to see a healthcare practitioner. Biomed Res Int. There is a problem with Because of this, you typically won't even realize they are there. We call this watchful waiting. Laurent C, et al. It appears as a more generalized swelling of lymph nodes. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All rights reserved. Lymphoma treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy medications, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant or some combination of these. NOTE: We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. Warner KJ. You and your doctor may decide not to treat the lymphoma until it interferes with your lifestyle. NHL may cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, but with a less defined pattern of spread. Here are some signs that swollen lymph nodes are likely benign: Lymph nodes are always fighting off invaders, so a few cancer cells may not be enough to cause noticeable swelling. View Charudutt Jayant Sambhaji's current disclosures, see full revision history and disclosures, absent umbilical arterial end diastolic flow, reversal of umbilical arterial end diastolic flow, benign and malignant characteristics of breast lesions at ultrasound, differential diagnosis of dilated ducts on breast imaging, musculoskeletal manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, sonographic features of malignant lymph nodes, ultrasound classification of developmental dysplasia of the hip, ultrasound appearances of liver metastases, focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography, ultrasound-guided biopsy of a peripheral soft tissue mass, ultrasound-guided intravenous cannulation, Malignant lymph node morphology and Doppler analysis, echogenicity: predominantly hypoechoic although metastastic lymph nodes from papillary thyroid carcinoma tend to be hyperechoic due to the intranodal deposition of thyroglobulin, loss of central fatty hilum/thinning of hilum, eccentric versus concentric thickening of cortex, peripheral/mixed peripheral: central blood vessels, aberrant vessels: displaced parent vessels, subcapsular vasculature, non-perfused areas, non-tapering vessels, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal interventions.