Priorities for computed tomography and lymphography in the staging and initial management of Hodgkin's disease.

Thirty-five patients with Hodgkin's disease were staged with the aid of chest radiographs, bipedal lymphograms and computed tomography (CT) scans. Computed tomographic findings altered management in only two patients (6%) by indicating enlargement of their radiotherapy fields. After lymphography, five patients (14%) were changed from Stage II (clinical and CT staging) to Stage III, so altering their management. Because either technique may show more extensive disease, CT and lymphography are complementary. Computed tomography should be performed initially. If it reveals no abnormality in the lymphogram area, lymphography, too, should be undertaken. Inverted Y fields are easier to visualise and design from lymphograms than from CT sections.