Ultrasound of the lymph nodes

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body’s immune defence. It helps to recognise and combat infections, plays a role in the production of antibodies, and maintains normal tissue fluid exchange. Lymph nodes, of which there are between 400 and 1,000 in the human body, act as biological filters: they trap viruses, bacteria and abnormal cells, including cancerous ones. Normally, these structures cannot usually be felt and do not cause discomfort. However, if their shape changes, a lump appears or there is a noticeable enlargement, this is a sign that should not be ignored. In such a situation, an ultrasound scan of the lymph nodes helps to quickly and clearly assess the condition of the tissues and determine whether further medical consultation is required.

When a lymph node enlarges, becomes painful or asymmetrical, it is important not to speculate about the cause, but to examine its structure using accurate diagnostics. At our Avicenna Med medical centre at 48 Degtyarevskaya Street, an ultrasound scan of the lymph nodes Kyiv is considered the primary and most reliable method of determining the exact cause of the changes. The examination allows us to assess the size of the node, its contours, density and internal structure. This is particularly important when distinguishing between a reaction to inflammation and a condition requiring further investigation. This approach helps you avoid wasting time and move more quickly towards the correct course of treatment or monitoring.

Warning signs: when should you have an ultrasound scan of your lymph nodes?

Not every enlarged lymph node indicates a serious problem, but there are signs that mean you should not delay an examination. If the nodes remain enlarged for more than two weeks after an infection, if the swelling is visible without any cold symptoms, or if paired lymph nodes have enlarged unevenly, you should have an ultrasound scan. This examination helps the doctor determine whether the change is due to a normal inflammatory reaction or if another cause needs to be investigated. If you need to have an ultrasound scan of your lymph nodes Kyiv without unnecessary waiting and in a straightforward manner, it is important to go where diagnosis and further examination can be arranged efficiently and without delay – at Avicenna Med. The main indications for the examination are:

•       enlarged lymph nodes persisting for more than 2 weeks after an infection;
•       visible enlargement of the nodes without signs of a cold;
•       asymmetrical enlargement of paired lymph nodes;
•       swollen lymph nodes combined with a high temperature;
•       sore throat or difficulty breathing alongside swollen lymph nodes;
•       suspicion of an abscess, tuberculosis or syphilis;
•       the need to rule out neoplastic processes, including lymphomas.

In such situations, it is important not to rely on guesswork, but to undergo timely diagnosis. Our Avicenna Med clinic offers not only state-of-the-art examinations but also the ability to proceed swiftly with further diagnostics if the situation requires it: we have an in-house clinical laboratory where you can have the necessary tests carried out without having to seek out other medical facilities. This approach is convenient for the patient and helps to move more quickly from worrying symptoms to a clear plan of action.

Diagnosis of different areas: what does an ultrasound show?

Swollen lymph nodes in different areas help the doctor understand where to look for the cause of the problem. This is precisely why a lymph node ultrasound is valued not only as a way to confirm the presence of an enlarged node, but also as a method that provides more information about the location of the problem. If a patient presents with swelling in the neck, under the jaw, in the armpit or in the groin, the doctor assesses not only the size of the node but also which organs and systems such a change might be linked to. At our Avicenna Med clinic, lymph node ultrasound Kyiv helps to quickly clarify the picture and avoid wasting time on guesswork.

Depending on the area of inflammation, various causes may be suspected. Cervical lymph nodes often react to upper respiratory tract infections, whereas axillary nodes require a more careful assessment of the condition of the chest and breasts. Inguinal lymph nodes often enlarge during inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, whilst submandibular nodes may signal problems in the oral cavity or more serious changes that cannot be ignored. We invite you to find out in more detail what a specific node indicates:

1. Cervical lymph nodes may swell with tonsillitis, laryngitis, measles, diphtheria, and also with lymphosarcoma.
2. Inguinal lymph nodes often react to inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, sexually transmitted infections, and conditions accompanied by lower abdominal pain.
3. Axillary lymph nodes require attention if there is a suspicion of tumours in the breasts or chest.
4. Submandibular lymph nodes may enlarge in cases of infectious lymphadenitis, leukaemia, and cancerous processes in the oral cavity.

It is impossible to determine the cause of inflammation based solely on the location of the lymph node, as similar symptoms can occur in various conditions. This is precisely why ultrasound diagnosis is necessary not as a formality, but to gain an accurate understanding of the situation. It helps the doctor to visualise the structure of the node, assess the nature of the changes, and decide whether further examination, consultation with a specialist, or ongoing monitoring is required.

How should you prepare for the examination?

In most cases, no special preparation is required before the examination. When it comes to cervical, inguinal or axillary nodes, the patient does not need to alter their usual daily routine or follow any dietary restrictions. This makes a lymph node ultrasound a convenient and quick diagnostic procedure that can be carried out without any complicated preparatory steps. This is precisely why, when an ultrasound scan is required, patients often choose this examination as a straightforward and accessible way to quickly assess the condition of their lymph nodes.

The only exception applies to cases where an ultrasound scan of the lymph nodes Kyiv the abdominal cavity is prescribed. To ensure the doctor obtains a more accurate ultrasound image, it is recommended to exclude foods that cause flatulence from your diet for 3 days prior to your clinic visit:

•       sparkling water;
•       rye bread;
•       pulses;
•       fermented milk products;
•       fresh vegetables;
•       fresh fruit.

This preparation is necessary because excess gas in the intestines can hinder visualisation and reduce the diagnostic value of the examination. If these simple recommendations are followed in advance, it will be easier for the doctor to assess the condition of the tissues and interpret the results more accurately. This is also important for the patient: a properly prepared examination helps to obtain the clearest and most useful diagnostic information on the first attempt.

The benefits of ultrasound diagnostics at Avicenna Med

The benefits of choosing Avicenna Med are based on precision, a professional approach and patient convenience: We perform ultrasound scans of the lymph nodes using state-of-the-art, high-precision equipment, which allows for clear visualisation of the density of connective tissue capsules and other important structural changes, whilst consultations are conducted by qualified diagnostic doctors who are able to assess the results of the examination carefully and accurately. For the patient, this means not only high-quality diagnostics but also a comfortable process without queues, thanks to clear booking for a specific time. All stages of the examination at the medical centre are organised in strict accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and you can clarify organisational details in advance and view prices for medical services on our website.

To register for ultrasound of lymph nodes in the Center for Progressive Medicine «AVICENNA MED» you can call:

(050) 100 34 02
(096) 100 34 02
(044)337 90 30