The value of lymphography in childhood solid tumours.

The lymphographic films of 40 children with solid tumours were re-evaluated to assess the value of lymphography. In 11 children the lymphographic findings were positive. In only one child with carcinoma of the small bowel the metastatic changes in a normal-sized lymph node were probably not demonstrable on ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT). In the most common childhood tumours the metastatic lymph nodes were enlarged and thus demonstrable on US or CT. Therefore we suggest that US or CT should be performed first, followed by lymphography in doubtful cases only.