[Introduction to ultrasonography of lymph nodes of the neck].

This is a short introduction to ultrasonography of lymph nodes of the neck in patients with malignant melanoma, head & neck cancer and skin cancer. Systematic examination and knowledge of the neck's anatomy and the types of neck dissections lie at the root of successful neck ultrasonography. The shape and volume are evaluated by B-mode and greyscale ultrasonography. Doppler ultrasonography can be used to distinguish between solid structures and vessels. Ultrasonography is well-suited for evaluation of regional lymph node status.